Sri Lanka’s relations with China extend deep into past, well before the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957.  They have covered virtually all aspects of activity including trade and commerce, cultural and religious ties and people to people linkages.

 

Our current relations have been particularly distinguished by many high-level political exchanges – in fact two Presidential State Visits within the last 18 months.

 

In addition to solid government-to-government economic cooperation, we have established links at corporate level as well.  China’s participation in our economic development is mutually beneficial including in the infrastructure and construction sector.  This will soon extend to the development of Hambantota district in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, which would be twinned with Guangzhou, one of China’s high activity economic areas.

 

People to people contacts have been enhanced with China’s tourist traffic to Sri Lanka increasing by over 60% last year as against the previous year.  This has also facilitated religious and cultural contacts and an increase in Chinese and Sinhala language knowledge in our two countries.

 

At the international level, we have cooperated on multilateral issues affecting the developing countries and Sri Lanka has fully supported the “One China Policy”.   At the regional level, we look forward to China’s participation as an Observer in the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation. 

 

The visit of H E President Mahinda Rajapaksa will further enhance our cooperation in the years to come.

 

As I leave Beijing, I wish to sincerely thank all our friends in the different Ministries and official organizations in China as well as others for their help in advancing the level and quality of our relationship and our friendship.