China and Sri Lanka pledge to deepen ties

CHINA and Sri Lanka last week reaffirmed their longstanding friendship and pledged to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

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China's Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong highlighted the longstanding and resilient friendship between China and Sri Lanka, describing it as a relationship that has spanned over 2,000 years, while withstanding the test of time and challenges of adversity, and still remains deeply rooted and flourishing.

Speaking at the reception held at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo and welcoming a host of political leaders and diplomats including former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and other senior officials, he highlighted China's transformation over the past seven decades.

He emphasised that this historical bond provides a strong foundation for expanding cooperation and deepening bilateral ties in the modern era.

The Ambassador praised the outcomes of President Anura Kumara Disanayake's State visit to China earlier this year, noting that the two leaders had achieved significant agreements, which provided new strategic guidance for the growth of our bilateral relations.

He described Sri Lanka as an "important partner" in China's neighborhood diplomacy and highlighted Colombo's active role in initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).