Message from Sri Lanka Prime Minister H.E. Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka

I have great pleasure in sending this message as we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka recognized the People’s Republic in fact in 1950 even before establishing full diplomatic relations with resident Embassies in our respective countries.

Since then the two countries have enjoyed excellent relations which have extended into political, economic, cultural, religious and technical aspects. With many events being planned for 2007, “The Year of Sri Lanka – China Friendship” new fields of cooperation can also be identified and developed, while existing bilateral activity can be further consolidated in the interest of our people.

Having visited China last year to participate at the Boao Forum, I was able to understand and appreciate at First hand China’s current level of development and progress which provides opportunities for all of us in the region.

It is my fervent wish that the cordial relations both Sri Lanka and China were able to maintain through out the past 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries will, no doubt, entice each other to further intensify the harmonious friendship so carefully preserved and protected.

I wish the celebrations to mark the event of 50 years of diplomatic ties will be a milestone for the further success of development and prosperity of the two countries in the years to come.

Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka

Prime Minister

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka