Ruwan Ranasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, has expressed admiration for China’s diverse culture, cuisine, and friendly people. Speaking to Xinhua, he shared his hope that more Chinese tourists would visit Sri Lanka to experience the country’s scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage.
In 2014, Ranasinghe fulfilled his dream of studying in China. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, he received a Chinese government scholarship to pursue a doctorate in tourism management at Sichuan University. During his time in China, Ranasinghe and his mentor established the International Center for Interdisciplinary Culture Heritage & Tourism Research (SCU-UWU) and witnessed the growing interest of Chinese tourists in Sri Lanka.
In 2017, China became the second-largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka, with over 260,000 Chinese visitors that year. However, domestic challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant decline in Chinese tourist arrivals. With the resurgence of international travel post-pandemic, Ranasinghe emphasized Sri Lanka’s readiness to welcome Chinese tourists again. The government is working to enhance convenience for Chinese travelers through streamlined visa processes and direct flights, aiming to position Sri Lanka as a preferred destination.
Ranasinghe highlighted the deep economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and China. He praised the Belt and Road Initiative projects, such as the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, for contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and fostering collaboration between the two nations.
During Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s state visit to China from January 14 to 17, Ranasinghe anticipated further progress in trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. He noted the historical connections between the two countries, referencing visits by the Chinese monk Fa Xian and navigator Zheng He, as examples of long-standing cultural interactions.
Ranasinghe concluded by expressing his belief in the enduring bond between the two nations. “I went to school in Sichuan and learned that Sichuan people love spicy food, just like Sri Lankans. I warmly welcome more Chinese tourists to visit my hometown and deepen the connection between our peoples.”
