Sirisena thanks China; says goodwill measures bring the two countries together

President Maithripala Sirisena with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) shakes hands with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe during his two day official visit in Colombo, 9 July. REUTERS

President Maithripala Sirisena, expressing his gratitude for the efforts of the Chinese Government in fighting the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKDu) in Sri Lanka by establishing a special hospital for kidney patients, said that such goodwill measures would bring the two countries closer together.

He said this when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on him at his residence on Friday. The leaders affirmed that China-Sri Lanka relations would rise to new heights as diplomatic ties between the two countries reached a period of 60 years next year.

During President Sirisena’s visit to China last year, and subsequent visit by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe last April, the leaders of the two countries reached a broad consensus on further strengthening traditional bilateral friendship and forging ahead with cooperation on major projects. 

This visit by the Chinese Foreign Minister came as a result of the goodwill nurtured during those previous trips, which led to Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera inviting his Chinese counterpart to Sri Lanka.

Welcoming Minister Wang Yi, President Sirisena spoke about the millennia-long relationship between the two countries. He further elaborated on the assistance given by the Chinese Government during the last phase of the war to eliminate terrorism in Sri Lanka.

He also expressed his appreciation for the support extended by China when the country was facing pressure from the international community.

Foreign Minister Yi commended the leadership of President Sirisena in creating the environment for the resumption of work of the Port City Development project.

While welcoming more public and private Chinese investments in Sri Lanka, President Sirisena stressed the importance of working on development cooperation further.

Foreign Minister Yi also met Prime Minister Wickremesinghe during his short visit to the country.