Lanka, China ties keep on improving

Dinesh DE ALWIS

Sri Lanka can achieve better economic development in the near future. Bilateral relations between our two countries keep on strengthening, said Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Yang Xiuping addressing a gathering to commemorate the 61st National Day of the People's Republic of China at New Town Hall, Colombo yesterday.

The 61st National Day will be celebrated by the Chinese people on October 1. Friendship between Sri Lanka and China has a long history and our diplomatic relationship started in 1957. At the moment Chinese companies are working in post war development programs in Sri Lanka. More training and scholarships will be provided to Sri Lankans, the Ambassador said.

The secret of the success of the Chinese is punctuality.

They work on the dot. "Sri Lanka has a great friend in China. China supported Sri Lanka in many ways during the war," Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana said. China has become the second world power and will be super power within a few years, Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premjayantha said.

A token of appreciation was presented to the Minister by the Chinese People's Association for his contribution to the friendship between the two countries.

The ceremony was organized by the Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Co-operation, Listeners' Association of China Radio International and CRI Confucius Centre at Lumbini College.