He also formally handed over the letter of recall of the former Ambassador. By the presentation of the credentials, Dr. Kohona has been formally recognised as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China by the Chinese Head of State.

The credentials ceremony was conducted according to a new format complying with health guidelines, although China has largely overcome the Covid-19 threat. 

30 Ambassadors and the Resident Representative of the United Nation were ceremonially taken from the State Guest House to the Great Hall of the People where a guard of honour was accorded to them before proceeding to the presentation of the credentials.

After accepting the credentials, President Xi Jinping addressed the new Ambassadors and stated that China was grateful for all the assistance given by friendly countries in the early stages of the pandemic.  

"You are the ambassadors of friendship from different countries and serve as bridges of communication with China. The Chinese people have stood united and worked together with peoples of other countries to fight the pandemic and jointly wrote a new chapter of international cooperation and friendship," President Xi said.

The address was followed by a group photo of the Ambassadors with the President.

Dr. Kohana had assumed duties as the Sri Lankan ambassador to China after going to Beijing in mid December 2020.