China to increase scholarships to Lanka

Chinese President Hu Jintao on Thursday agreed to increase the number of scholarships to Sri Lanka.

The Chinese President also reiterated his support to Sri Lanka’s efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity during bilateral talks with President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

President Rajapaksa also conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives following the recent earthquake in China and thanked China for the assistance during the tsunami tragedy.

President Rajapaksa commended China for its investments to develop the infrastructure in Sri Lanka and also expressed his hope for support to new projects as well.

The Chinese President commended the mutual political understanding between the two countries in international and regional matters and responded positively to the request to provide tariff concessions to Sri Lankan exports under the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement.

President Rajapaksa briefed his Chinese counterpart on the response shown at the SAARC Summit regarding the elimination of poverty, terrorism, energy crisis, conservation of water resources and food security.

President Rajapaksa renewed his request to the Chinese President to visit Sri Lanka to inspect the projects funded by the Chinese Government.

Chinese President Hu Jintao agreed to visit Sri Lanka.