January 16, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is currently in the midst of a pivotal four-day state visit to China, with his third day marked by participation in a significant “Investment Session” this (16) morning.
Organised by both public and private sector bodies, the event is seen as one of the central components of the President’s visit and underscores Sri Lanka’s focus on enhancing economic ties with China.
Following the investment discussions, President Dissanayake will pay his respects at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Beijing, where he is expected to lay a floral tribute in recognition of the Chinese people’s struggles and sacrifices in the pursuit of national unity and progress.
Later in the day, President Dissanayake is set to hold high-level talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China.
These meetings are anticipated to focus on deepening the robust bilateral relationship between the two nations, with a particular emphasis on trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.
On the previous day, Sri Lanka and China took a significant step in strengthening their bilateral cooperation by signing 15 agreements across a range of sectors.
The agreements were formalised in an official ceremony attended by President Dissanayake and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the prestigious Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
These agreements encompass a broad spectrum of collaboration, spanning the fields of economics, culture, education, and media.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, who was present during the discussions, elaborated on the scope of the agreements.
He highlighted that the two heads of state engaged in detailed conversations regarding the future of the Sri Lankan economy, the exchange of cultural values, and the political dynamics between the two nations.
Minister Herath further noted that the newly signed agreements would greatly benefit Sri Lanka, particularly in terms of economic support and development.
He shared that President Xi Jinping had reiterated China’s ongoing commitment to Sri Lanka, with assurances of continued assistance in various forms, including financial aid and investment projects.
This support is expected to bolster Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and further enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries.
