Big increase in Chinese tourists

Priyanka KURUGALA

There has been a marked increase in the arrival of Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka, Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana said. He said learning Chinese language could help better facilitate their needs.

“This could also help propagate Sri Lanka as a friendly and vital tourist destination in China,” he said.

The minister was addressing the Chinese Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) organised by the CRI Confucius Centre at Lumbini Vidyalaya on Wednesday.

“Tourism is a vital sector for Sri Lanka and measures were taken to popularise many languages, such as Japanese, Chinese and Korean in addition to English, in the school system,” he said.

“Language is important to build and develop relationships with different countries,” the minister said. “Lumbini Vidyalaya is providing a great service to teach and popularise Chinese language in the country,” Gunawardana said.

“China is a great friend of Sri Lanka with ties dating back from ancient times. China has bestowed many historical commemorative symbols to the country as well as the BMICH, the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition Centre and the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, he said.

“Projects such as the Norochcholai Power Generating Project and the Hanbantota Harbour are some of other projects completed with Chinese aid,” the minister said. “China supported Sri Lanka to eradicate 30 years of terrorism. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has taken steps to cement relationships with China on a firm footing,” he said.