January 19, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has hailed the deepening of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and China, describing it as the dawn of a new chapter.
In a recent interview with Chinese media outlet Xinhua, the president expressed optimism about the future of the two nations’ partnership, following his state visit to China from Tuesday to Friday, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
This trip marked Dissanayake’s first visit to China since assuming office in September.
Reflecting on his past experiences, President Dissanayake remarked that his first visit to Beijing was in 2004, and he was astounded by the remarkable transformation he witnessed on his return after two decades.
“Returning after 20 years, the changes are immense. China’s development is truly impressive,” he noted.
Over the 68 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Sri Lanka have built a strong and lasting relationship, rooted in mutual respect, cooperation, and assistance.
Their strategic partnership continues to grow, with collaboration spanning numerous sectors such as infrastructure, trade, and social welfare.
During his visit, Dissanayake held talks with President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, followed by the signing of multiple agreements to further enhance cooperation in areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, agriculture, social welfare, and media development.
The agreements are expected to strengthen the partnership between the two nations and pave the way for future growth.
Sri Lanka, according to Dissanayake, faces several significant challenges, including reducing poverty, advancing technology, and developing infrastructure.
He emphasised China’s crucial role in helping Sri Lanka address these issues, drawing inspiration from China’s people-centred development model.
“I have observed that the Chinese government places a strong focus on its people’s needs. Likewise, the Sri Lankan government is committed to serving its citizens,” Dissanayake commented.
The president also took the opportunity to commend China’s remarkable success in poverty alleviation, calling it a global model.
“China’s experience in lifting millions out of poverty has been lauded by the United Nations and is something Sri Lanka can learn from. I plan to visit rural areas in China to understand how local farmers have overcome poverty,” Dissanayake shared.
One of the highlights of his visit was his tour of the Museum of the Communist Party of China, which showcases the country’s incredible journey of overcoming challenges and achieving prosperity.
“The exhibition was enlightening. It provides valuable insights into China’s development that can benefit not only the Chinese people but also other nations like Sri Lanka,” he added.
The two nations have also made notable strides in the Belt and Road Initiative, with Chinese companies having invested in significant infrastructure projects across Sri Lanka.
These include the construction of ports, highways, railways, hospitals, and power plants, all of which have helped improve the country’s infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and create jobs for local communities.
Sri Lanka benefits greatly from its economic ties with China, which remains one of the island nation’s largest trade partners and a major source of foreign investment and development aid.
Amongst the key projects under the Belt and Road framework are the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, which Dissanayake believes will bring substantial long-term economic benefits to Sri Lanka.
“These projects are a testament to the strength of our partnership and will undoubtedly contribute to the country’s economic prosperity,” he remarked.
Dissanayake also addressed concerns raised by some Western media outlets, which have suggested that China’s involvement in Sri Lanka could lead to a “debt trap” or the militarisation of Sri Lankan ports.
He rejected these claims, asserting that developing nations like Sri Lanka need external investment and loans to advance their economies.
“Such assistance should not be viewed negatively. The Global South requires development, and that can only be achieved through collaboration with external partners,” he stated.
Looking forward, the Sri Lankan President expressed his hopes of attracting more Chinese investments and tourists to Sri Lanka.
With China being Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest source of tourists, the president highlighted efforts to boost tourism, including launching promotional campaigns and simplifying the visa process.
Additionally, Sri Lanka plans to introduce more direct flights to cater to the growing demand from Chinese travellers.
“Sri Lanka and China both have rich cultural heritages and long histories of people-to-people exchanges. I am confident that Chinese tourists will enjoy their time in Sri Lanka and discover the beauty of our island,” he concluded.
