Sri Lanka – the Wonder of Asia, a promotional event organised in Beijing, placed this Island, as a truly miracle destination in Asia. The event was spearheaded by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in China. The tag-line for the evening was introduced in keeping with the vision of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to place Sri Lanka as “the emerging wonder of Asia”. Flowing from this vision and understanding the very need to establish an iconic image to introduce Sri Lanka to the Chinese people, the event portrayed Sigiriya with its frescoes as its theme.
Organised on the occasion to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of independence of Sri Lanka and the 53rd year of establishing diplomatic relations with China, the evening attracted close to 500 persons representing ministers, diplomats, top ranking government officials, persons in the travel trade, the business community and entrepreneurs. The Chief Guest at the occasion was Zhang Zhi Jun, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Chinese Government. Speaking at the event, while congratulating Sri Lanka, for the success achieved in eradicating terrorism from her soil, he pledged China’s continuous support for economic development and building a mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries.
Ambassador Karunatilaka Amunugama, speaking on the occasion, emphasised that for the first time in almost three decades, Sri Lanka was not under the shadow of terrorism and that the 62nd anniversary is celebrated with a great sense of oneness and pride.
He reiterated that with the electoral victory for President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential elections, a new era of peace and hope has dawned in the country to achieve prosperity, which the people so richly deserve. The Ambassador also wished China a successful launch of Expo 2010 in Shanghai in May and the Asian Games in Guangzhou in October this year.
