New office, auditorium complex aided by China handed over to Sri Lanka Military Academy

A China-aided office and auditorium complex were handed over to the Sri Lanka Military Academy in Diyatalawa on Saturday. The handing over ceremony was inaugurated by President Maithripala Sirisena and Chinese Ambassador Cheng Xueyuan in the presence of Commander of Sri Lanka Army Lt. General Mahesh Senanayake, a Chinese military delegation led by Major General Shen Jun, as well as other senior army officers from both Sri Lanka and China.

Addressing the gathering at the inauguration ceremony, Sri Lanka Military Academy Commandant Brigadier H. H. A. S. P. K. Senaratne said the new building would strengthen the longstanding cordial relationship between the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the Sri Lanka Army.

He further explained that this state-of-the-art building was constructed in the shape of a lotus, which is the national flower of Sri Lanka, and it will serve as an office, teaching and assembly space for the staff and cadets of the Sri Lanka Military Academy.

“The auditorium had a seating capacity of 785 seats with sound and optoelectronic facilities, central air conditioning, and intelligent power supply and distribution control system,” the Commandant added.

Ambassador Cheng Xueyuan stressed that this comprehensive office and auditorium building, which is a gift from the Chinese Government to the Sri Lankan side, would become another symbol and witness of the friendship between the two armies and two countries. History is the key witness, and reality is the best statement. China and Sri Lanka are good neighbors, good friends and good partners. Whatever changes may take place in the international situation, the two countries always stand with and support each other. Both China and Sri Lanka are peace-loving countries. The relationship between the two militaries has become an important and positive factor in the development of bilateral relations.

“The blooming lotus and the evergreen mountains witness the lasting brotherhood and friendship between China and Sri Lanka. Two countries will conform to the trend of world peace and development, under the guidance of the leadership of the two countries, to enhance strategic mutual trust, deepen comprehensive and pragmatic cooperation in political, economic, military, cultural and other fields, and promote the continuous development of the relations between the two armies and two countries, and make greater contributions to the stability and prosperity of China and Sri Lanka,” Cheng said.

The new office and auditorium complex in the Sri Lanka Military Academy covers a total floor area of 7200 sq. m. The project started construction in October 2014, and was designed, constructed, and supervised by the Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.