Message of Congratulations from Chinese Premier

Wen Jiabao to Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka

His Excellency Mr. Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka

Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Colombo

On the occasion of the 50^th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the “China-Sri Lanka Friendship Year”, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Government and in my own name, cordial congratulations and best wishes to you and, through you, to the Sri Lankan Government.

The Chinese and Sri Lankan peoples have established profound friendship through exchanges in the course of history. In the half century since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-Sri Lanka relations have registered healthy and smooth growth on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and remarkable achievements have been made in the exchanges and cooperation in various fields. During my visit to Sri Lanka in 2005, the two countries agreed to establish an all-round cooperative partnership. This year marks the 50^th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Sri Lanka. It is also the “China-Sri Lanka Friendship Year” Launched by our two governments. This offers an important opportunity for growing China-Sri Lanka relations.

The Chinese Government is committed to enhancing long-term and stable good-neighborly relations and amiable cooperation with Sri Lanka. China wishes to take the opportunity of the 50^th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the “China-Sri Lanka Friendship Year” to increase friendly exchange, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and enrich the all-round cooperative partnership with Sri Lanka.

May Sri Lanka enjoy prosperity!

Long live the friendship between the Chinese and Sri Lankan Peoples!

Wen Jiabao

Premier of the State Council of

The People’s Republic of China

Beijing, February 7, 2007