Battaramulla: The 5th anniversary celebration of the Chinese National Defence University Alumni Association of Sri Lanka (CNDUAASL) was held on the 14th of September at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka. Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) attended the ceremony as the Guest of Honour.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, delivering the keynote address, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) highlighted the enduring strategic partnership and shared values between Sri Lanka and China. He emphasized the shared history of anti-colonial struggle, mutual respect for sovereignty, and joint commitment to peaceful development as the foundation of the enduring friendship between the two nations. He also stressed that Sri Lanka and China will continue to support each other in preserving historical memory, promoting a just world order, and fostering international cooperation.

The establishment of the Chinese NDU Alumni Association of Sri Lanka aims to further foster mutually beneficial relations among its graduates, the majority of whom belong to the Army, Navy, and Air Force of Sri Lanka. The association is expected to promote a network of professional contacts and a pool of resources to enhance both national and international connectivity.

The event was attended by Army and Air Force Commanders, former Tri-service Commanders, senior military officers, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and alumni of CNDUAASL. This attendance reflected the depth of defence and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The ceremony served as a platform to reaffirm the strong bonds of military education, strategic dialogue, and mutual respect fostered through the Chinese National Defence University alumni network.