Chinese President Xi first global leader to congratulate President Ranil

• Expresses belief under Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka will be able to overcome temporary difficulties, advance economic and social recovery
• Stresses importance of Sino-Lanka ties and says willing to extend further support and assistance to SL
• Hopes two countries can push forward strategic cooperative partnerships

President Xi Jinping

President Ranil Wickremesinghe

People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping yesterday became the first global leader to congratulate new President Ranil Wickremesinghe and offer support to overcome the on-going economic and social crisis.

In his congratulatory letter dated 22 July, Xi also expressed the belief that under Wickremesinghe’s leadership, Sri Lanka will be able to overcome temporary difficulties and advance the process of economic and social recovery.

“I attach great importance to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations, and am willing to provide support and assistance to the best of my ability for you and the Sri Lankan people in your efforts,” President Xi said in his letter to Wickremesinghe channelled through the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Colombo.

Following is the full text of President Xi’s letter to President Wickremesinghe.

I am delighted to hear that you have been elected President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. On behalf of the Chinese Government and people, and in my own name, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to you.

China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbours to each other. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 65 years ago, the two countries have always promoted the development of bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, setting an example of friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries of different sizes. 

After the outbreak of COVID-19, China and Sri Lanka have stood together and helped each other, and the traditional friendship has been sublimated.

Mr. President, you are a senior Sri Lankan politician, and have long been committed to China-Sri Lanka friendly cooperation. I believe that under your leadership, Sri Lanka will be able to overcome temporary difficulties and advance the process of economic and social recovery. 

I attach great importance to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations, and am willing to provide support and assistance to the best of my ability for you and the Sri Lankan people in your efforts.

It is hoped that the two sides will carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, and push forward the strategic cooperative partnership of sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship between the two countries.

I wish you good health and good luck in your work.