Sino - Lanka ties have gone from strength to strength - Prof. Li Junru

Rasika Somarathna

Sino - Lanka relations have even become closer since China adopted economic reforms and opening-up policies more than three decades back, said Prof. Li Junru - a famous theorist of the Communist Party of China and Vice President of the Forum of Reform and opening up of China. Prof.Li currently in Sri Lanka, predicted that China-Sri Lanka cooperation will continue to grow further in numerous spheres in the aftermath of CPC’s 18th National Congress.

Prof.Li Junru a famous theorist of Communist Party of China addressing a seminar on CPC’s 18th Congress at Chinese embassy in Colombo. Pix by : Mahinda Vithanachchi

He said China will continue to assist rebuilding and development activities in Sri Lanka and also support the country’s endeavours in international forums, such as, the United Nations.

Prof.Li was speaking at a seminar at the Chinese embassy in Colombo on the 18th National Congress of the CPC. Three former Sri Lankan Ambassodors to China, namely, Nihal Rodrigo, H.M.G.S.Palihakkara and Bernard Goonetilake, Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association members, Chinese embassy officials and journalists participated. Speaking on economic cooperation, Prof.Li said if recent efforts are taken as an indication, two way trade between China and Sri Lanka will continue to grow exponentially in the next few years.

He pointed out that two way trade between the countries had crossed US $ 4.1 billion last year, a 50 per cent growth from the previous year.

Prof.Li said in the aftermath of 18th CPC Congress, China will continue to further implement the policy of reform and opening up and will strive to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. “In its international relations outlook, China will always strive to develop win-win cooperation with other countries with mutual trust and cooperation being the base,” he added. He stressed China always stood for peaceful development and added that the country will always strive to help other countries through its economic development. Prof. Li is the authority of studies of Mao Zedong’s thoughts and pioneer of the studies of Socialism with Chinese characteristics. He was the Deputy President of the famous Central Party School of CPC and Deputy Director of Central office of Party history research. He is also a standing member of National Marxism - Leninism philosophy studies and Deputy President of Human Rights Studies. He has written a number of books on the above subjects.

Prof Li was joined by Secretary General Academic Committee of the State Committee of Development and Reform Prof.Zhang Yansheng, Director General of Bureau of Research of the International Department of CPC Huang Huaguang and several other Chinese scholars at the seminar.