Chinese President Xi pledges continuous support to Sri Lanka

Chinese President Xi Jinping with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena during their meeting in Beijing yesterday

A meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was held yesterday at Great Hall in Beijing.

Both countries agreed to continue to act under the friendship, peace, mutual respect and fivefold principle in international affairs that do not interfere in the internal affairs of a country. 

It was emphasised that bilateral relations should be based on mutual respect and mutual productivity between the countries, and acting according to that policy would set a good example for both countries.

The Chinese President also assured that China will support the schemes necessary for the development of Sri Lanka as soon as they are presented.

He assured continuous support of China to Sri Lanka’s efforts for political and socioeconomic progress. The Chinese President said that China will always stand for safeguarding the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

The Chinese President thanked the Prime Minister’s father for their support to China during these discussions which lasted for almost an hour. The Chinese President also stated that the party representing the Prime Minister and other parties in Sri Lanka hope to further increase cooperation with the Chinese Communist Party.

Gunawardena thanked President Xi for assistance provided during the unprecedented economic crisis and extending debt restructuring facilities. He explained the progress in implementation of decisions taken during the visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to China. The Prime Minister also thanked President Xi Jinping for the support extended to sectors such as school education, agriculture, health, technology, culture and religion.

State Ministers Shehan Semasinghe and Ashoka Priyantha, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake and senior officials also participated in this event.