President’s visit to bolster ties with China

COLOMBO: The diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China completed 50 years on February 07. The year 2007 is designated as the Year of Sri Lanka-China Friendship.

By now China has become one of the strongest world economic powers. At the same time China has bestowed upon the globe a large heritage.

During the course of the past 50 years of friendly relations between Sri Lanka and China, the economic benefits Sri Lanka gained from the Chinese Government are many. Following the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China, a spate of bilateral agreements were adopted between Sri Lanka and China involving a number of fields including economic, cultural, agricultural, investment and tourism fields.

Though the diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China is only 50 years, the friendly relations between the two countries extend far back beyond that. One of the reasons for that age-old relationship is the fact that China is a Buddhist country.

Sri Lanka Government relishes to continue and promote this friendship and diplomatic relations with the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

With this hope, a delegation led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa has undertaken a tour of China towards the end of this month.

The President’s intended official tour is expected to be a tour of utmost importance, marking a turning point in the future development process of Sri Lanka.