China’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, recently concluded a notable visit to the Northern Province, including Jaffna. During his engagement with local journalists, the ambassador sidestepped direct questions regarding China’s role in Tamil genocide and instead focused on welcoming Sri Lanka’s strengthened ties with India.
Ambassador Qi reflected on the region’s political dynamics while interacting with the media. When pressed on Tamil concerns about China’s involvement during the final stages of Sri Lanka’s civil war and its role in addressing Tamil political aspirations, he chose to emphasize perceived progress in Tamil political strategies.
“The Tamil community has made the right choice through this election,” Qi remarked, referencing the National People’s Power (NPP) party’s recent success in Jaffna during the presidential election. He characterized this development as a significant shift in political priorities.
“The fact that the NPP won the election in Jaffna shows that the Tamil community has moved beyond traditional forms of protest. They are now considering the larger national context and working to foster broader cooperation for the future. This is something China is very happy to see,” Qi added, expressing optimism for a “brighter future” for the Tamil community.
However, the ambassador avoided directly addressing allegations about China’s role during Sri Lanka’s war against the Tamil population. Instead, he reiterated China’s interest in fostering progress across the island. “This demonstrates that the Tamil community has embraced larger aspirations and is looking toward the future. It shows that all groups, ethnicities, religions, and communities are now working together in unity,” he said.
On Sri Lanka’s engagement with India, Qi noted reports that President Dissanayake plans to make his first official visit to India in mid-December. “We are very glad to see this development because India and Sri Lanka are close neighbours. Strengthened relations and economic cooperation between the two countries will deliver greater benefits to the people,” he commented.
The ambassador extended an invitation to President Dissanayake to visit China, emphasizing that such a visit would enhance bilateral ties and traditional friendship while promoting economic cooperation.
During his visit, Qi also met with Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedanayagam, presenting a cheque worth 12 million rupees from the Chinese government as livelihood assistance. He congratulated the governor on his recent appointment and reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the region’s progress. “I am pleased to witness the positive changes in the Northern Province,” Qi stated, pledging continued support for its development.
This visit is part of the ambassador’s ongoing engagement with the North-East, which he has toured previously. Notably, a prior visit followed the cancellation of a Chinese-funded project to develop hybrid power plants in Delft Island, Analativu, and Nainativu—worth an estimated USD 12 million—which was reportedly reassigned to India.
Ambassador Qi’s visits underscore China’s interest in maintaining its influence in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern regions while navigating complex political and historical sensitivities.
