Tropical island nation embraces Winter Olympics

On January 5, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Sri Lankan National Olympic Committee jointly held a 30-day countdown to the Beijing Winter Olympics in Colombo Port City. Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, Minister of Youth and Sports Namar of Sri Lanka, Olympic Committee Chairman Subramaniam, representatives of the gold medal winners of the Tokyo Olympic Games, etc., according to Sri Lanka's traditional customs, lit the prayer lanterns for the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics Send blessings.

Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said in his speech that the Winter Olympics will kick off in 30 days, and Beijing will become the world's first "Double Olympic City". In the face of global challenges such as the raging new crown epidemic and the difficult recovery of the world economy, the Olympic spirit of "faster, higher, stronger and more united" is becoming more and more precious. It is believed that under the guidance of the slogan of "Together to the Future", this Winter Olympics will surely inject more confidence and hope into enhancing friendship among countries and jointly tackling challenges! China will work with the international community to present a simple, safe and exciting Olympic Games to the world. Here, I would like to sincerely thank the Sri Lankan government and people for their firm support for the Beijing Winter Olympics, which will add luster to the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka.

Minister Namar congratulated Beijing on becoming the first "Double Olympic City". He said that although Sri Lanka, as a tropical island country, has no foundation for ice and snow sports, we embrace the Winter Olympics and the Olympic spirit together with people from all over the world. Sports is the common language of mankind. Whether it is the Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympics or the Paralympic Games, they all represent the Olympic spirit and cross racial, linguistic, religious, civilizational and geopolitical differences. I wish the Beijing Winter Olympics a complete success.

Dozens of media from China and Sri Lanka carried out live reports. In the next 30 days, Sri Lanka will continue to hold relevant Olympic sports activities, and plans to organize people from all walks of life to watch the live broadcast on the opening day of the Beijing Winter Olympics on February 4.