CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER'S VISIT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SOCIALISTS!

AS WANG YI RETURNS TO COLOMBO, SRI LANKA MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN SHORT-TERM RELIEF AND THE TRANSFORMATIVE, MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR POTENTIAL OF THE 21ST-CENTURY SILK ROAD.

- By Prof. Samitha Hettige

From the 14th-century voyages of Zheng He to the 1952 Rubber-Rice Pact, China has acted as Sri Lanka's stabilizer. Prof. Samitha Hettige argues that as the Dissanayake administration navigates IMF targets, the Belt and Road Initiative offers a blueprint for glory, transforming the island into a regional logistics powerhouse.

The Chinese Lions at Yapahuwa are a stark reminder of how Great China protected Sri Lanka historically whenever it was under threat (Ref. Mahavansa).

Among the highest profile dignitaries ever to visit, support and protect Sri Lanka was Admiral Zheng He of Great China. His contributions during 14th century Silk Road voyages to strengthen Sri Lanka (a century before western colonization) are still cherished by patriotic Sri Lankans (Ref. Kotte era Chronicles).

When might violates the international law, China rightly promotes win-win cooperation with the 21st century Silk Road (Belt and Road Initiative - BRI).