The Chinese people commemorated the 159th birth anniversary of great national hero Sun Yat-sen in Beijing on 12^th November. He is remembered in China as a national hero, patriot, & a forerunner of China's democratic revolution. As a mark of respect to his immortal contributions to China’s;

1. National independence.
2. Social progress.
3. Public well being &
4. Strengthen the unity of the Chinese…

China’s supreme political body (National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) decided to have a grand commemoration to mark his 160th birth anniversary in November 2026. The 159^th anniversary celebrations were attended not only by the Communist Party members but also by other parties & other prominent figures without party affiliations. Sun was a Chinese physician, revolutionary, statesman, & a political thinker who founded the Republic of China & its first political party the ‘Kuomintang’. He played a key role during the 1911 Revolution to overthrow the imperial Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) & ended more than 2000 years of feudal rule in China. He is one of the few 20^th century Chinese leaders revered in both Taiwan (as the father of the nation) & in the Peoples Republic of China (as the forerunner of the revolution).

His political philosophy, commonly known as the ‘three principles of the people’ intended to modernize China by promoting nationalism, democracy & livelihoods of the people within an ethnically united China. He has composed the national anthem of China focusing on above (Ref. Sun archives).

What can Sri Lankans learn?

One might argue that not many Sri Lankans who acted as if they believed in Communism had the vision of Sun Yet-sen. However, Sri Lankans will also be commemorating ‘November Heroes’ in the years to come & the younger generations may analyze & decide who are the real Sri Lankan heroes of the 21^st century who contributed to; national independence, social progress, public well being & strengthening the unity of Sri Lankans.

Those interested may study Sun Yet-sen’s immortal contributions to the Chinese society & work towards building a country not isolated in the world. Active economic, trade & cultural interactions between countries shall increase with opportunities such as the Belt & Road Initiative of China. If such opportunities are grabbed isolation will not be a challenge even if opportunists pressure Sri Lanka into unfavourable bilateral agreements.

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