Saturday Jul 04, 2026
Saturday Jul 04, 2026
Saturday, 4 July 2026 01:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
China EXIM Bank Vice President Yang Dongning (left) with Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando during their meeting
Chinese EXIM Bank team visits Sri Lanka to enhance bilateral development cooperation
A high-level delegation from the Export-Import Bank of China (China EXIM Bank), led by Vice President Yang Dongning, held talks with Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando on Thursday (2), with both sides agreeing to expedite the amended financing agreement for the Central Expressway Project (CEP-I) Section I (Kadawatha–Mirigama).
During the discussions, the two sides reviewed progress on the revised financing agreement for the China EXIM Bank-funded expressway project and reaffirmed their commitment to completing the remaining procedures.
The Government said it aims to finalise the required formalities and sign the amended agreement before the end of August 2026, subject to the completion of internal approval processes by both parties.
The meeting also focused on strengthening broader economic and development cooperation.
Deputy Minister Dr. Fernando outlined the Government’s strategy to drive sustainable economic growth through priority sectors including tourism, value-added manufacturing linked to global value chains, logistics, energy and information technology, while highlighting efforts to promote innovation, expand export markets and strengthen technical and vocational education to develop skilled human capital.
The Chinese delegation expressed its willingness to deepen cooperation in higher education through capacity-building programs, knowledge exchange and academic collaboration.
Both sides concluded the discussions by reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the long-standing strategic development partnership between Sri Lanka and China in support of the country’s long-term economic development.
