Sri Lanka - China Defence Ties Reaffirmed at PLA 99th Anniversary Celebration

Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), graced the 99^th Anniversary celebration of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) as the Chief Guest at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, on 21 July. Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), also attended the commemorative event.

Upon arrival, the Deputy Minister of Defence and the Defence Secretary were warmly received by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Qi Zhenhong and Defence Attaché of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Sri Lanka Senior Colonel Fu Xiao.

Addressing the gathering, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) extended his warm congratulations to the members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army on the occasion of its 99^th anniversary. He also expressed appreciation to His Excellency the Ambassador for the longstanding and cordial relationship between Sri Lanka and China, acknowledging the continued cooperation and assistance extended by China over the years.

The event was attended by former Presidents, Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, Commanders of the Tri-Forces, Members of Parliament, senior military officers and other distinguished invitees.