Anura Kumara Dissanayake, (popularly known as AKD), who was elected President of Sri Lanka in September 2024, and whose party, the National People’s Power (NPP), whose main component is the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP or People’s Liberation Front), Sri Lanka’s biggest Marxist party, then went on to win a supermajority in November 2024 parliamentary elections, paid a state visit to China from January 14-17 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Although it is his first visit as head of state, Dissanayake is an old friend of China.
Announcing the visit at a January 10 press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying noted that China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbours. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1957, China-Sri Lanka relations have stood the test of the changing international landscape and maintained sound and steady development, setting a good example of friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation.
President Dissanayake met with Xi Jinping on January 15. The Chinese leader said that China will actively support Sri Lanka in focusing on economic development and the two countries should jointly foster new highlights in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, as well as cooperation in modern agriculture, digital economy and marine economy.
With joint efforts, he continued, China and Sri Lanka have continuously promoted strategic cooperative partnership featuring mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship. High-quality Belt and Road cooperation and cooperation in various fields have achieved fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.
Noting that China takes Sri Lanka as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, Xi said that the country will continue to support Sri Lanka in maintaining its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. China supports Sri Lanka in exploring a development path suitable for its national conditions, and is willing to deepen political mutual trust, exchange governance experience, and enhance dialogue and communication between various departments of the two countries. He further called for pooling the joint efforts of the Global South for solidarity and development, contributing to regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Noting that Sri Lanka admires China’s great development achievements in economy, science and technology, and infrastructure, Dissanayake said China has always been a reliable friend and partner of Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka attaches great importance to its relations with China.
Sri Lanka firmly abides by the one-China principle, and appreciates China’s invaluable support in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s independence, sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests, he added.
Sri Lanka is committed to enhancing regional connectivity through the Belt and Road cooperation and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country, Dissanayake said, adding that Sri Lanka is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, finance, poverty reduction, digital transformation, tourism, marine industry and personnel training.
China plays a significant leading role in the Global South, as well as a constructive role in international affairs, he added. The Sri Lankan side is willing to continue strengthening coordination and mutual support with China on multilateral occasions to safeguard common interests.
The next day, Dissanayake met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
During the meeting, Li emphasised the enduring friendship between China and Sri Lanka, which has lasted for over a thousand years. “Over the past 68 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the relationship between the two countries has withstood the test of international changes and has maintained a steady and healthy pace of development.”
China is willing to import more high-quality products from Sri Lanka, and encourages capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Sri Lanka and hopes Sri Lanka will continue to optimise its business environment and provide more convenience and security for Chinese enterprises.
Dissanayake said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the well-being of the people, has made remarkable achievements in economic and social development, and has fostered state-to-state relations based on mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Sri Lanka thanks China for its valuable assistance in realising national independence and economic and social development, he said, adding that the Sri Lankan government attaches great importance to relations with China, always abides by the one-China principle, and appreciates and supports the three global initiatives put forward by the Chinese president.
Sri Lanka is willing to learn from China’s experience in poverty alleviation and industrial development, push for more substantive results in bilateral cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, investment, energy, science and technology and infrastructure construction, strengthen communication and coordination in international multilateral affairs and write a new chapter in bilateral relations.
The same day, Dissanayake also met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.
The website of the Sri Lankan President’s Media Division reported that Dissanayake visited the Museum of the History of the Communist Party of China and then paid his respects at the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall.
Reporting some of the practical achievements of the visit, the President’s Media Division also noted the signing of an agreement with Sinopec, which will bring a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of $3.7 billion to Sri Lanka. The investment will be utilised to establish an oil refinery in Hambantota, with plans to export a significant portion of its output.
Sri Lanka and China issued a 21-point joint statement on the results of the visit.
The two sides share the view that China and Sri Lanka have consistently respected each other, treated each other as equals and stood by each other over the 68 years of diplomatic ties, and set a fine example of friendly interactions and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries of different sizes. The two sides agreed to carry forward the spirit of independence, self-reliance, solidarity and mutual assistance enshrined in the Rubber-Rice Pact, follow the principles of mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual support, win-win cooperation and common development, stay committed to deepening the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership based on sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship, and jointly build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, to bring greater benefits to the two countries and peoples. [The Rubber-Rice Pact, formally called the Ceylon-China Trade Agreement of 1952, is still considered a cornerstone of friendship between the two countries as, five years before they established diplomatic relations, the newly independent country dared to break the embargo imposed on the People’s Republic by the United States. Ceylon, as Sri Lanka was then called, was able to alleviate chronic food shortages by importing rice from China in exchange for rubber at a time when western markets had disappeared due to the development of synthetic rubber.]
Sri Lanka reiterated that it will never allow its territory to be used for any anti-China, separatist activities and will firmly support China on issues related to Xizang [Tibet] and Xinjiang. China reiterated that it will continue to firmly support Sri Lanka in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will respect and support Sri Lanka in independently choosing a development path suited to its national conditions. The Chinese side reiterated its commitment to an independent foreign policy of peace. Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to an independent non-aligned foreign policy.
China congratulated Sri Lanka on successfully holding presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024, expressed its good wishes for the new Sri Lankan government to take the Sri Lankan people forward in economic and social development, unity, stability and prosperity, and conveyed its readiness to provide active support as the Sri Lankan government works to promote the sustainable development of the country. Sri Lanka commended the remarkable achievements China has made in the new era and expressed support for China to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through the Chinese path to modernisation.
Sri Lanka appreciates the important role of Belt and Road cooperation in its economic and social development and the livelihood of its people. The two sides agreed to advance all major signature projects including the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port integrated development, fully utilise such platforms as the Silk Road Workshop and carry out more livelihood programs in Sri Lanka in accordance with the principles of planning together, building together and benefiting together, open, green and clean cooperation, and high-standard, people-centred and sustainable development.
Firmly rebuffing the persistent western slander that China practices so-called ‘debt diplomacy’, Sri Lanka expressed its high appreciation for the valuable support it has received from China in times of financial difficulties, including the vital assistance in restructuring China-related debts, which was a robust support for Sri Lanka in effectively dealing with the debt issue. Sri Lanka expressed its desire for the early implementation of the agreed debt restructuring plan together with Chinese financial institutions. China will continue to play a positive role in the International Monetary Fund and maintain friendly communication with other creditors to help Sri Lanka ease its financial difficulties and achieve debt sustainability.
China conveyed its readiness to carry out training and demonstration programs with Sri Lanka in areas including bio-technologies for tropical crops, plant breeding and cultivation, and aquaculture to help Sri Lanka enhance its capacity for sustainable agricultural development; and welcomes Sri Lanka to further expand its export of distinctive products to China, including tea, fruits, cinnamon, and aquatic products. The two sides shared the readiness to expand exchanges and cooperation with a sharper focus on poverty reduction and rural revitalisation.
Both sides recognise climate change as one of the greatest challenges of human society and a threat to the sustainable development of developing countries including China and Sri Lanka. They agreed to work actively together on climate change. Sri Lanka expressed appreciation to China for its humanitarian relief in the wake of severe flooding.
Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to jointly upholding the international system with the UN at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The two sides will adhere to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, and work toward a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress for all countries in the world.
In an article following the conclusion of the visit, the Xinhua News Agency noted:
“The 100-rupee note in circulation in Sri Lanka features the China-built Puttalam Coal Power Plant, a key Belt and Road project. Located on the Kalpitiya Peninsula, about 130 km north of Colombo, the plant provides power to countless homes across the country. Since it began operation, the power plant has generated about 40 percent of Sri Lanka’s electricity, helping to alleviate a long-standing shortage. It also adheres to strict environmental standards, controlling emissions through various measures, according to site manager Li Wenfeng.
“The dynamic Belt and Road cooperation is making real difference in the lives of the Sri Lankan people.
“In areas affected by chronic kidney disease due to unsafe drinking water, experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have established a water technology centre to ensure safe water for communities.
“The China-funded Matara-Beliatta railway extension, Sri Lanka’s first new railway since 1948, is enhancing public transport and marking a new chapter in the nation’s rail history.”
The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and the Sri Lankan President’s Media Division. Further background on this important visit may be found here.
Xi calls for fostering new highlights in China-Sri Lanka cooperation
BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) — China will actively support Sri Lanka in focusing on economic development and the two countries should jointly foster new highlights in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, as well as cooperation in modern agriculture, digital economy and marine economy, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Wednesday.
China’s efforts in further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization will bring new opportunities for Sri Lanka’s development, Xi said when holding talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is in China for a state visit.
Noting that China and Sri Lanka enjoy a traditional friendship, Xi said bilateral relations have maintained healthy and stable development over the past 68 years, setting an example of friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation between different countries.
With joint efforts, China and Sri Lanka have continuously promoted strategic cooperative partnership featuring mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship. High-quality Belt and Road cooperation and cooperation in various fields have achieved fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, Xi said.
The two countries should have a keen grasp of bilateral relations from a strategic perspective and jointly build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, he said.
Noting that China takes Sri Lanka as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, Xi said that the country will continue to support Sri Lanka in maintaining its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
China supports Sri Lanka in exploring a development path suitable for its national conditions, and is willing to deepen political mutual trust, exchange governance experience, and enhance dialogue and communication between various departments of the two countries, Xi said.
China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Sri Lanka within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations to jointly address major issues concerning the whole of mankind, including climate change, Xi said.
He called for pooling the joint efforts of the Global South for solidarity and development, contributing to regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Noting that Sri Lanka admires China’s great development achievements in economy, science and technology, and infrastructure, Dissanayake said China has always been a reliable friend and partner of Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka attaches great importance to its relations with China.
Sri Lanka firmly abides by the one-China principle, and appreciates China’s invaluable support in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s independence, sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests, Dissanayake said.
Sri Lanka is committed to enhancing regional connectivity through the Belt and Road cooperation, and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country, Dissanayake said, adding that Sri Lanka is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, finance, poverty reduction, digital transformation, tourism, marine industry and personnel training.
China plays a significant leading role in the Global South, as well as a constructive role in international affairs, he added. The Sri Lankan side is willing to continue strengthening coordination and mutual support with China on multilateral occasions to safeguard common interests, said the president.
Following the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation documents, in such areas as Belt and Road cooperation, agricultural products, social welfare, and news and broadcasting.
Chinese premier meets Sri Lankan president
BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is in China for a state visit, in Beijing on Thursday.
During the meeting, Li emphasized the enduring friendship between China and Sri Lanka, which has lasted for over a thousand years.
China is willing to work with Sri Lanka to implement the strategic consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue the traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and jointly build a community with a shared future, Li said.
“Over the past 68 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the relationship between the two countries has withstood the test of international changes and has maintained a steady and healthy pace of development,” Li added.
He said that China is ready to strengthen the docking of development strategies with Sri Lanka, jointly work for the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, promote cooperation projects such as the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, expand cooperation in green development, the digital economy, agriculture and maritime sectors, and continue to enhance economic and trade exchanges to achieve more fruitful results.
China is willing to import more high-quality products from Sri Lanka, and encourages capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Sri Lanka, Li said, adding that China hopes Sri Lanka will continue to optimize its business environment and provide more convenience and security for Chinese enterprises.
The two sides should continue to deepen exchanges in culture, tourism, youth, sports, media, and other areas, he added.
China is willing to work with Sri Lanka and other Asian countries to practice true multilateralism and safeguard common interests, Li said.
Dissanayake said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the well-being of the people, has made remarkable achievements in economic and social development, and has fostered state-to-state relations based on mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation.
China has made important contributions to global peace and development, which Sri Lanka deeply admires, Dissanayake added.
Sri Lanka thanks China for its valuable assistance in realizing national independence and economic and social development, Dissanayake said, adding that the Sri Lankan government attaches great importance to relations with China, always abides by the one-China principle, and appreciates and supports the three global initiatives put forward by the Chinese president.
Dissanayake said Sri Lanka is willing to learn from China’s experience in poverty alleviation and industrial development, push for more substantive results in bilateral cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, investment, energy, science and technology and infrastructure construction, strengthen communication and coordination in international multilateral affairs and write a new chapter in bilateral relations.
President Pays Tribute at Mao Zedong Mausoleum, Founder of the People’s Republic of China
Jan. 15 (PMD) — In response to an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake, who is currently on a state visit to China, visited the exhibition hall on the history of the Communist Party of China today.
Following this, President Disanayake visited the historic Prince Kung’s Palace Museum in China.
Later, he paid his respects by offering flowers at the Mao Zedong Memorial, dedicated to the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, also participated in these events.
Full text: Joint Statement between People’s Republic of China and Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua)
- At the invitation of H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, paid a state visit to the People’s Republic of China from January 14 to 17, 2025.
- During the visit, President Anura Kumara Disanayaka held talks with President Xi Jinping, and met with H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council and H.E. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. In a cordial and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had in-depth exchanges of views and reached extensive common understandings on deepening traditional friendship and advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and multi-sectoral practical cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, and on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
- The two sides share the view that China and Sri Lanka have consistently respected each other, treated each other as equals and stood by each other over the 68 years of diplomatic ties, and set a fine example of friendly interactions and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries of different sizes. The two sides agreed to carry forward the spirit of independence, self-reliance, solidarity and mutual assistance enshrined in the Rubber-Rice Pact, follow the principles of mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual support, win-win cooperation and common development, stay committed to deepening the China-Sri Lanka strategic
cooperative partnership based on sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship, and jointly build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, to bring greater benefits to the two countries and peoples. - The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of close high-level exchanges to keep the strong strategic guidance by the leaders of the two countries over bilateral relations, to further strengthen bilateral exchanges between the two governments, legislative bodies and political parties to consolidate political mutual trust and share and learn from each other’s governance and development experience, and make dedicated efforts to enhance China-Sri Lanka relations.
- Both sides reaffirmed mutual support on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns. Both sides reaffirm the authority of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and Sri Lanka reaffirmed its strong commitment to the one-China principle, recognizing that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Sri Lanka firmly supports all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification, and opposes “Taiwan independence” in any form. Sri Lanka reiterated that it will never allow its territory to be used for any anti-China, separatist activities and will firmly support China on issues related to Xizang and Xinjiang. China reiterated that it will continue to firmly support Sri Lanka in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will respect and support Sri Lanka in independently choosing a development path suited to its national conditions. The Chinese side reiterated its commitment to an independent foreign policy of peace. Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to an independent non-aligned foreign policy.
- China congratulated Sri Lanka on successfully holding presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024, expressed its good wishes for the new Sri Lankan government to take the Sri Lankan people forward in economic and social development, unity, stability and prosperity, and conveyed its readiness to provide active support as the Sri Lankan government works to promote the sustainable development of the country. Sri Lanka commended the remarkable achievements China made in the new era, and expressed support for China to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through the Chinese path to modernization. Sri Lanka believes that China’s drive to further deepen reform comprehensively and promote high-standard opening up will bring new opportunities for Sri Lanka’s economic advancement.
- Under the guidance and encouragement of leaders of both countries, China and Sri Lanka have produced fruitful outcomes in Belt and Road cooperation. Sri Lanka appreciates the important role of Belt and Road cooperation in its economic and social development and the livelihood of its people. The two sides agreed to advance all major signature projects including the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port integrated development, fully utilize such platforms as the Silk Road Workshop and carry out more livelihood programs in Sri Lanka in accordance with the principles of planning together, building together and benefiting together, open, green and clean cooperation, and high-standard, people-centered and sustainable development and following the eight major steps announced by President Xi Jinping for supporting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The two sides were pleased to sign a Belt and Road cooperation plan to upgrade China-Sri Lanka high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and jointly open up new space for win-win development of higher standard, stronger resilience and greater sustainability.
- Sri Lanka expressed its high appreciation for the valuable support it has received from China in times of financial difficulties, including the vital assistance in restructuring China-related debts, which was a robust support for Sri Lanka in effectively dealing with the debt issue. Sri Lanka expressed its desire for the early implementation of the agreed debt restructuring plan together with Chinese financial institutions. China will continue to play a positive role in the International Monetary Fund and maintain friendly communication with other creditors to help Sri Lanka ease its financial difficulties and achieve debt sustainability. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the People’s Bank of China have renewed their currency swap agreement and will continue to carry out financial cooperation.
- The two sides are satisfied with the progress of bilateral cooperation in economy and trade. Sri Lanka expressed appreciation to China for its effort to promote import from Sri Lanka through various means. China expressed its readiness to continue supporting Sri Lankan enterprises in the tea, gem and other industries in establishing ties with relevant Chinese associations of importers and exporters, facilitate Sri Lanka’s participation in expos such as the China International Import Expo, China Import and Export Fair, China-South Asia Exposition and e-commerce platforms, and further enhance cooperation between enterprises of the two countries on the basis of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. The two sides agreed to work toward the early conclusion of a comprehensive free trade agreement in one package in line with the principles of equality, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
Sri Lanka welcomes more business investment from China and will provide a conducive investment and business environment for this purpose. China will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises in investing in Sri Lanka to facilitate economic transformation and sustainable development in Sri Lanka. The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in such fields as logistics, green development, and digital economy to propel their high-quality and mutually beneficial practical cooperation.
- The two sides shared positive evaluations of their wide-ranging cooperation and in-depth exchanges on agriculture. China conveyed its readiness to carry out training and demonstration programs with Sri Lanka in areas including bio-technologies for tropical crops, plant breeding and cultivation, and aquaculture to help Sri Lanka enhance its capacity for sustainable agricultural development; and welcome Sri Lanka to further expand its export of distinctive products to China, including tea, fruits, cinnamon, and aquatic products. The two sides shared the readiness to expand exchanges and cooperation with a sharper focus on poverty reduction and rural revitalization. China expressed its readiness to help Sri Lanka strengthen the capacity of personnel in related fields.
- Both sides recognize climate change as one of the greatest challenges of human society and a threat to the sustainable development of developing countries including China and Sri Lanka. They agreed to work actively together on climate change. Sri Lanka expressed appreciation to China for its humanitarian relief in the wake of severe flooding. China expressed its readiness to enhance cooperation with Sri Lanka in such fields as disaster prevention and mitigation and emergency rescue, share its technologies and provide training in improving Sri Lanka’s emergency management capabilities. China welcomes Sri Lanka’s participation in the relevant activities of the Belt and Road International Green Development Coalition and other platforms as part of the joint effort to realize the U.N. 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
- The two sides share the desire to continue maritime cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual trust, openness and mutual benefit, and hold regular bilateral consultations on maritime affairs. The two sides are ready to deepen cooperation in such fields as conservation and restoration of the marine environment and ecosystems, maritime domain awareness, maritime rescue and disaster relief, and maritime personnel training and capacity building, and pool their strength to build a maritime community with a shared future. The two sides agreed to sign Memorandum of Understanding on Ocean Cooperation toward Blue Partnership.
- The two sides are ready to deepen cooperation on education. The two sides fully recognized the importance of education exchanges for increasing understanding and friendship, and expressed readiness to further enhance exchanges of teachers, students, and researchers. China welcomes and encourages more committed students from Sri Lanka to pursue further studies in China, and is ready to continue to support them with government scholarships. China will work with Sri Lanka to implement the Luban Workshop to good effect and nurture more professionals through vocational and technical training for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka appreciates China’s assistance in education, and will work for the success of the digital classroom project together with China. The two sides are ready to promote Chinese language education in Sri Lanka and continue to work through the China Culture Center in Sri Lanka to promote cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. The two sides will continue to work in and develop the China-Sri Lanka Joint Center for Education and Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and strengthen scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation and education in the universities and research institutes of the two countries.
- The two sides are ready to carry forward their long-standing friendship and bring their peoples closer together. The two sides will take multiple measures to encourage mutual tourist travel and aviation connectivity. China welcomes more Sri Lankan cities in the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities. The two sides will continue to support each other in holding tourism promotion activities in China and Sri Lanka.
- The two sides are ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as youth, think tanks, sports, and the media, build on the bond of Buddhist exchanges, and deepen people-to-people and sister-city exchanges.
- China will continue to extend support for the development of the health sector in Sri Lanka. China’s Yunnan Province will continue to send medical teams to Sri Lanka to carry out the Brightness Action program.
- The Chinese side commends Sri Lanka’s positive response to President Xi Jinping’s proposal of the Asian Initiative for Cultural Heritage Conservation and Sri Lanka’s participation in the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia. China will further promote bilateral cultural heritage cooperation with Sri Lanka under the Alliance.
- The two sides recognize judicial, law enforcement and security cooperation as an important component of bilateral cooperation, and stand ready to jointly crack down on cross-border crimes such as telecom fraud and online gambling. China is ready to do its best to support capacity building in Sri Lanka’s judicial, law enforcement and security areas and provide assistance of police supplies.
- Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and actively participating in the development of a community with a shared future for mankind, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, which was just after the end of the Second World War. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to jointly upholding the international system with the U.N. at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter. The two sides will adhere to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and work toward a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress for all countries in the world.
- During the visit, the two sides signed cooperation documents, in the areas of agriculture, tourism, livelihood assistance, the media and other areas.
- President Anura Kumara Disanayaka expressed appreciation to the Chinese government and people for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Sri Lankan delegation, and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Sri Lanka. The Chinese leadership expressed appreciation for the kind invitation, and the two sides agreed to maintain communication via diplomatic channels.
“Pearl of Indian Ocean” shines with Belt and Road cooperation
COLOMBO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) — Sri Lanka and China enjoy a robust partnership in Belt and Road cooperation. The recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Beijing has given a fresh boost to the practical cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The visit, Dissanayake’s first since taking office, successfully deepened traditional ties, expanded high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and delivered benefits to the two peoples.
The two countries should have a keen grasp of bilateral relations from a strategic perspective and jointly build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, Xi said when holding talks with Dissanayake on Wednesday.
SHAPING THE FUTURE
During Wednesday’s talks between the two heads of state, the BRI was a key topic.
China will actively support Sri Lanka in focusing on economic development, and the two countries should jointly foster new highlights in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, as well as cooperation in modern agriculture, digital economy and marine economy, Xi said.
For his part, Dissanayake said Sri Lanka is committed to enhancing regional connectivity through Belt and Road cooperation. He also encouraged more Chinese firms to invest and do business in his country.
In recent years, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between the two sides has been fruitful, adding luster to the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” Flagship Belt and Road projects like the Colombo International Container Terminal highlight the ongoing success of the partnership.
Located at the Port of Colombo, the terminal has seen continuous upgrades, boosting its throughput from under 600,000 TEUs to 3.35 million TEUs in 2024, and driving the port’s expansion.
Similarly, Hambantota Port, once a small fishing village, has been transformed into a thriving industrial hub. The port has reached one milestone after another in throughput and cruise ship arrivals. Regular equipment upgrades, expanding container operations, and steady progress on the port’s industrial park are driving economic growth.
Jeevan Premasara, senior general manager at Hambantota International Port Group, said the port is not only creating more jobs for the local community but also laying a strong foundation for the future development of Sri Lanka’s port industry.
RISING HOPES FROM THE SEA
From a high vantage point in Colombo, a breakwater curves around the coastline of Colombo Port City, like an arm embracing the shore.
The project was launched during Xi’s 2014 visit. It has given rise to a thriving city over the past decade.
On Jan. 10, the marina commercial project in Port City broke ground. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath noted that this development would fill a gap in high-end maritime services in South Asia, attracting tourists and boosting Sri Lanka’s regional tourism and investment appeal.
Port City’s transformation is not just physical but generational. For young Sri Lankans like Sithmi Maligaspe, who has been part of the project for over a year, its importance lies in its potential to retain talent. “Only by keeping our youth can this country achieve better development,” Maligaspe said. Many young Sri Lankans, eager for greater opportunities, are now learning Chinese to tap into advanced industries and management models.
Harsha Amarasekera, chairman of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, envisions the city as a powerful engine for Sri Lanka’s economic growth, as well as a regional financial and industrial hub.
As Yasiru Ranaraja, founding director of the Belt and Road Initiative Sri Lanka, put it, “Such Belt and Road cooperation projects have allowed the people of Sri Lanka to see the hope for the future rising from the sea.” He looks forward to further cooperation with China in infrastructure, energy and agricultural modernization.
MAKING REAL DIFFERENCE
The 100-rupee note in wild circulation in Sri Lanka features the China-built Puttalam Coal Power Plant, a key Belt and Road project. Located on the Kalpitiya Peninsula, about 130 km north of Colombo, the plant provides power to countless homes across the country.
Since it began operation, the power plant has generated about 40 percent of Sri Lanka’s electricity, helping to alleviate a long-standing shortage. It also adheres to strict environmental standards, controlling emissions through various measures, according to site manager Li Wenfeng.
The dynamic Belt and Road cooperation is making real difference in the lives of the Sri Lankan people.
In Sri Lanka’s northwestern province of Makandura, Chinese agricultural experts have shared modern techniques with local farmers, building lasting friendships.
In areas affected by chronic kidney disease due to unsafe drinking water, experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have established a water technology center to ensure safe water for communities.
The China-funded Matara-Beliatta railway extension, Sri Lanka’s first new railway since 1948, is enhancing public transport and marking a new chapter in the nation’s rail history.
Sri Lanka and China have a long history of friendship, and recent cultural exchanges and cooperation have deepened the traditional bond. “I am confident that this will better benefit the peoples of both countries,” said Jinith De Silva, president of the Sri Lanka China Society.
