The opening gala of the 2026 “Happy Chinese New Year” cultural events in Sri Lanka was held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, marking the beginning of a series of celebrations ahead of the traditional Chinese holiday. The gala was attended by an audience of around 1,200, including Speaker of House Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, senior officials of the Sri Lankan government, as well as Chinese nationals in Sri Lanka and the general public. He wished both China and Sri Lanka new and greater accomplishments in the new year in their pursuits of national development. In his speech, Speaker Wickramaratne hailed the long history of cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and China. He added that the performance amply manifests the joyfulness and profound cultural meanings of the traditional Chinese festival.