The inaugural ceremony to mark the Chinese New Year festival was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo on Sunday (Jan 19).
According to the PM’s Office, the event was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Colombo.
The inaugural ceremony took place at the Cinnamon Life Hotel, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
During the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered a congratulatory message from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, for the occasion of the Chinese New Year.
The celebration was attended by former President Maithripala Sirisena, former PM Dinesh Gunawardena, Industry Minister Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma and other political dignitaries, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, the PM’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, as well as a large gathering of Sri Lankans and Chinese nationals.
A special delegation comprising 34 members from the Henan Art Troupe and the Sichuan Chef Team also arrived in Sri Lanka as part of the New Year celebrations.
The PM’s Office further said that in addition, the festivities will feature the “Chinese Food Festival” and the “Port City Chinese Cultural Night,” scheduled to take place from January 20 to 23. (Newswire)