Sri Lanka, July 24 -- China's Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, who will conclude his six-year tenure on July 31, said the warmth and friendship of the Sri Lankan people have left a lasting impression on him and his wife, Jin Qian, while highlighting the significant progress in bilateral relations during his posting.

In a farewell message, the Ambassador said China-Sri Lanka friendship had become "as deeply rooted and flourishing as the Sacred Bodhi Tree" over the past six years.

He noted that the two countries had together overcome major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka's economic crisis, the impact of Cyclone Ditwah and the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

"No matter how the politi...