Sri Lanka seeks more support from China towards investment, debt restructuring and in other areas, said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, National Integrity and Social Security, Media, Transport and Highways, Public Security, Environment, Wildlife and Forest Resources, Water Supply, Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Housing and Construction Rural and Urban Development, Vijitha Herath at the the reception held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Colombo on Wednesday.
He also recalled that Sri Lanka and China maintained close economic relationships for a long time and the China Sri Lanka Rice Pact in 1952 was one of key agreements during the time and diplomatic relations were established in 1957.
Herath also said that China has made several notable infrastructure nvestments including the Colombo Port City, Hambantota Harbour and the Expressway and is also Sri Lanka’s key trading partner. He also said that Sri Lanka also plays a key role in China’s Belt and Road initiative.
The Minister also said that Chinese President Xi Jinping met with former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, who was on an official visit to China last March and over 10 agreements were signed and these would be continued. Commenting on the tourism sector he said that during the pre covid era Chinese arrivals were on top.
“Sri Lanka has offered a free visa on arrival facility for Chinese tourists and the numbers are now picking up again,” he said.
From September 1 to 23, 2024 there were 6,030 Chinese arrivals and the country remained among the top 10 source markets for tourism and from January 1 to September 23, 2024 there were 94,212 Chinese arrivals.
Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong said that the two countries are today standing at a new historical starting point.
“China will work with Sri Lanka and other developing countries to stay committed to encouraging the development and revitalization of the “Global South”, improving common well-being through their own growth and injecting robust impetus into global security and progress.”
While steadfastly carrying forward high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, China will work with the international community to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world.
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