China's Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, who will conclude his six-year tenure on July 31, said the warmth and friendship of the Sri Lankan people have left a lasting impression on him and his wife, Jin Qian, while highlighting the significant progress in bilateral relations during his posting.

In a farewell message, the Ambassador said China-Sri Lanka friendship had become "as deeply rooted and flourishing as the Sacred Bodhi Tree" over the past six years.

He noted that the two countries had together overcome major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka's economic crisis, the impact of Cyclone Ditwah and the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

"No matter how the political landscape changes or how the international situation evolves, China and Sri Lanka have always stood firmly together, carrying forward the spirit of independence, self-reliance, solidarity and mutual assistance enshrined in the Rubber-Rice Pact," he said.

Qi said the past six years had witnessed significant progress in high quality Belt and Road cooperation and exchanges across a wide range of sectors.

He highlighted the progress of major projects, including the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, the resumption of construction of the first phase of the Central Expressway, the commissioning of the National Hospital Outpatient Building and the China-Sri Lanka Friendship National Nephrology Hospital, the ongoing digital transformation of general education, the construction of nearly 2,000 affordable housing units and bilateral training programmes aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka's human resource capacity.

The Ambassador said China is now one of Sri Lanka's largest sources of foreign investment and one of its largest development partners, with cooperation expanding across the port economy, modern agriculture, digital economy, culture and tourism.

He also noted that since 2023, China has donated school uniform fabric to Sri Lanka for four consecutive years, benefiting more than 4.4 million students, and said the programme will continue next year.

Describing the relationship between the two countries as standing "as firm as Sigiriya Lion Rock", Qi said China would continue to share opportunities, pursue development and promote prosperity together with Sri Lanka through high standard opening up.

Looking ahead, he noted that next year will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka, expressing confidence that the longstanding partnership would continue to deepen in the years ahead.