China happy with SL's achievements

China expressed happiness over the achievements made by Sri Lanka in many fields, including the economy, in recent years and reiterated that it will support Sri Lanka's efforts to promote national independence.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Lotus Pond Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference of the People's Republic of China, Zhang Meiying said that Sri Lanka has achieved an economic growth rate of eight percent and reiterated that China is always ready to support Sri Lanka's development.

She said that ties between the two nations began 1600 years ago with the arrival of Chinese monk Fa Hsein. She said that 2012 marks the completion of 55 years of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries and 60 years since signing the Rubber Rice Pact.

Meiying said that relations between the two nations has covered many areas including education, culture and trade.