Chinese New Year celebrated in Colombo (Pics)
2026-02-17 - 11:39
The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year for 2026, falls today (Feb. 17). The celebration is considered as the most important traditional holiday for Chinese people and Spring Festival was also inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024. 2026 ushers in the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. The new year celebrations hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka was held last week in Colombo with collaborated cultural performances from both Sri Lankans and Chinese nationals. The event was attended by distinguished guests including Minister of Foreign Affairs – Vijitha Herath, Opposition Leader – Sajith Premadasa, former President – Mahinda Rajapaksa as well as government and opposition politicians, professionals of many fields and the Chinese community in Sri Lanka. Addressing the gathering, Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said that the embassy will “spare no effort in advancing all-round practical cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.” “The year 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan. China is advancing with high spirits toward the Second Centenary Goal of building a great modern socialist country in all respects. Guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, the Chinese Embassy will set sail with full vigor, spur ahead like a galloping steed, and spare no effort in advancing all-round practical cooperation between China and Sri Lanka. We will contribute to building a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future and foster a favorable environment for our compatriots to pursue their endeavors in Sri Lanka. We will always uphold our diplomatic mission to serve the people, keep the well-being and safety of our compatriots close to heart, and work steadfastly to address practical matters, deliver tangible benefits and resolve difficulties—standing as your strong pillar of support. In the new year, we hope all compatriots will unite in purpose, support one another, uphold the positive image of Chinese people overseas and continue to serve as promoters of China-Sri Lanka cooperation, communicators of Chinese culture, and builders of people-to-people friendship,” he said. “As the Golden Snake bids farewell to the old year, the Steed heralds a new spring. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes perseverance, vitality and an indomitable spirit. Let us invigorate the pioneering spirit, muster our determination and drive, and turn our great vision into a splendid reality,” the ambassador added. (Pics : Shanika Jayasekara) Several instances of the event are as follows :