President Sirisena congratulates Xi Jinping on re-election as President of China

On 19 March, President Maithripala Sirisena extended a warm letter of congratulations to Xi Jinping on his re-election as the President of China. The full message follows:

“Excellency,

“It is with great pleasure and happiness I wish to extend my warm greetings on your re-election as the President of the People’s Republic of China for an extended tenure.

Relations between Sri Lanka and China have documented historical legacy and we have been able to consolidate and strengthen those ensuring tangible benefits to the people in both Nations. It is my firm belief that our collective resolves to further deepen our relations at all spheres will continue under your esteemed leadership.

“Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration for your Excellency and the people of China, and my personal good wishes for your health and happiness.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, and Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana also sent congratulatory messages to Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang, National People’s Congress Standing Committee Chairman Li Zhanshu, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Chairman Wang Yang, and State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, respectively, on their election. The main contents of the messages are as follows:

PM Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed to Premier Li Keqiang: “Sri Lanka and China enjoy an enduring friendship based on common interests, mutual respect and understanding. Our ties have continued to reach new heights over the past decades. I am pleased to reaffirm Sri Lanka’s commitment to further strengthen our bonds of friendship and expand the pillars of cooperation for the benefit of both countries. In this spirit, I look forward to working closely with Your Excellency, to deepen our friendship and cooperation and pursue our shared interests at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.”

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya expressed to Chairman Li Zhanshu: “The wealth of experience and skills that Your Excellency brings to this high office would undoubtedly help you to contribute towards successful steering of the proceeding and promotion of democracy. I wish to take this opportunity to convey my firm support to Your Excellency in furthering parliamentary cooperation and look forward to working in close alliance with Your Excellency in achieving our common goals and objectives.”

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya also expressed to Chairman Wang Yang: “Your Excellency’s vast experiences and diplomatic skills, would contribute to perform the duties of this high office successfully and efficiently. I firmly believe that Your Excellency’s leadership will help to enhance cooperation between China and Sri Lanka and to further expand the political interaction as well as trade and economic cooperation for mutual benefit of our two countries.”

Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana expressed to State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi: “The time tested relations between Sri Lanka and China are characterised by strong bonds of friendship, understanding and mutual respect to each other. I fervently believe that the close affinity and collaboration that both countries have developed, will continue to further consolidate and expand for the benefit of our two peoples in the years to come.”