Prof Peiris tells Shanghai Think Tank:

Lanka wants expanded relationship with China

Sri Lanka has deep appreciation of the understanding and support extended by China during our country’s sustained effort to eradicate terrorism, and now looks forward to a strengthened and expanded relationship in responding to the economic challenges which lie ahead, External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said in Shanghai on Tuesday.

Prof. Peiris, who is on an official visit to the People’s Republic of China on the invitation of China’s Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi was addressing the Institute of International Studies in Shanghai.

The Minister, who referred to China’s active involvement in the building of infrastructure - especially in the fields of ports, highways and the power and energy sector - explained in detail the plans of the Government of Sri Lanka in respect of accelerated development of the economy.

In a situation where unrivalled progress is possible, taking advantage of the twin factors of durable peace combined with a unique degree of political stability, Minister Peiris suggested to China’s Intelligentsia viable avenues for further reinforcing a relationship which has stood the test of time since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1958.

The audience consisting of university teachers, leading professionals, diplomats, government officials and prominent members of civil society, used the question and answer session, which followed the address by the Minister, to engage in an in-depth discussion about the new vistas of opportunity in Sri Lanka and the way forward.

Prof. Peiris explained the results achieved within a period of less than a year in resettling Internally Displaced Persons and the government’s initiatives in reviving the economy so as to restore livelihoods. He dealt with the new change in Sri Lanka, consequent on the final defeat of terrorism, which made possible unprecedented developments with regard to tourism, investment and trade.

He said that the economy is currently developing under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership at more than 7 percent and that the country’s external reserves have reached an unsurpassed level of more than six billion U.S. Dollars. He also referred to the threshold of confidence indicated by the performance of the stock market.

Minister Peiris briefed the audience at one of China’s best known think tanks about the steps taken by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to set up a Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission in the post-conflict situation and to dismantle, to a very substantial extent, the emergency apparatus after the return of normalcy.

He explained the government’s thinking on several aspects of constitutional reform and the political process.

The audience put to the Minister a series of questions on the lessons to be learnt from the Sri Lankan experience in combating terrorism.

Chairman of the Institute, Prof Yang Jiemian told Professor Peiris that his lecture was delivered as the Institute celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Throughout that period, the Institute has enjoyed the guidance and patronage of the highest leadership in China through successive generations. Chairman Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping and President Hu Jintao have all supported the work of the Institute.

Chairman of the Institute Prof Jiemian invited Prof Peiris at the conclusion of his lecture to accept the position of Honorary Fellow of the Institute.

Minister Peiris will have discussions in Beijing with Li Keqiang, Vice Premier of China and with Yang Jiechi, China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.