Ambassador Amunugama presents credentials to President Hu Jintao
CHINA: China has emerged as a key development partner of Sri Lanka
steering the traditional friendly relations towards a new chapter, Sri
Lanka’s Ambassador to China Karunatilaka Amunugama said. Amunugama who
presented credentials to the President of the People’s Republic of China
on August 29.
He also briefed the President on development assistance rendered by
the Chinese Government to Sri Lanka and the progress made in these
projects, in particular the Puttalam (Norocholai) Coal Power Plant, and
also the Hambantota Port Development Project.
He added that once the Hambantota Development Project gets off the
ground it will facilitate to uplift Sri Lanka’s rural economy based on
the Mahinda Chinthana 10 year plan for accelerated future growth of Sri
Lanka. He also stressed the desire of the Government to complete this
Project early.
Reiterating the importance of people to people contact in forging a
better understanding between the peoples of the two nations the
Ambassador elaborated on the activities carried out to strengthen
Buddhist cultural ties between the two countries.
He stressed the firm stance of Sri Lanka on the “One China Policy”
and the Ambassador assured of Sri Lanka’s continued support to China in
the regional and international spheres.
President Hu spoke outlined the relations between China and Sri Lanka
as a model between countries of different sizes treating each other in a
very friendly harmonious and cordial relationship.
He added that Sri Lanka’s support of “One China”, against the issues
of Taiwan and Tibet and on human rights issues in the regional and
international levels are appreciated and China would reciprocate these
sentiments in safeguarding the territorial integrity and the sovereignty
of Sri Lanka. The President also pledged assistance towards the
Hambantota Project.
Ambassador Amunugama mentioned the invitation extended by Sri Lanka’s
President Mahinda Rajapaksa for a visit by President Hu, to the country
during the year of the “Golden Jubilee” celebrations. President Hu,
while conveying his best wishes to President Rajapaksa confirmed that he
would pay a visit at a mutually convenient time for both parties
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