May 03, Colombo (LNW): Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, convened a meeting with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at Temple Trees yesterday (2) to deliberate on the expeditious execution of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) established between the two nations during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China in March 2024.
Expressing optimism, the Prime Minister emphasized that the commencement of these MoUs would usher in a new era of enduring friendship and economic collaboration between Sri Lanka and China. Representing Sri Lanka, Prime Minister’s Secretary Anura Dissanayake inked the agreements, while the secretaries of nine Ministries signed on behalf of China in the presence of both Prime Ministers and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
In addition to the implementation of these MoUs, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s receptiveness to direct private investments from China. He further welcomed investments in diverse sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, IT, education, and water supply, aimed at providing sustainable solutions to economic challenges.
Ambassador Qi Zhenhong expressed satisfaction at Sri Lanka’s resilience in overcoming adversities and pledged China’s unwavering support for Sri Lanka’s ongoing endeavors in debt restructuring and addressing economic hurdles.
The discussion was attended by the Chinese Economic Counsellor alongside key officials.
