China will continue to support Sri Lanka _ CPPCC Vice Chairman

Vice Chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Luo Fuhe assured President Mahinda Rajapaksa of China’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and his country’s commitment to support Sri Lanka against groundless accusations at international fora when he called on President Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on Wednesday, states a release from the Office of the Presidential Spokesman and International Media Adviser.

The release adds: “We hope we can continue to support each other to promote peace and development”, Fuhe said. “We will try our best to ensure win-win cooperation”.

President Rajapaksa thanked China for its long-time partnership in Sri Lanka’s development pointing out that many of Sri Lanka’s landmark infrastructure projects – the BMICH, the Supreme Court complex, the Nelum Pokuna Theater, and the Hambantota port and airport – were all gifted or supported by China.

“Fuhe, who also spoke at the opening ceremony of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), told the President that “the opening of the Mattala Airport is a good opportunity to send a message of the friendship between China and Sri Lanka.”

He also said that China is interested in exploring new sectors for future projects. From having a heavy focus on infrastructure, Fuhe said, China now also “wants to focus on peoples’ well-being” with potential new projects in the health, education and cultural sectors.

“Greater people-to-people, cultural and religious exchanges, Fuhe said, will also help lay the cultural and spiritual foundation for the friendship between the two countries.

“We want to thank Sri Lanka for its support to China in the international arena,” Fuhe said. “We cherish the friendship between China and Sri Lanka”. President Rajapaksa reassured Vice Chairman Fuhe of Sri Lanka’s continued support while noting that Sri Lanka continues to maintain a one-China policy.

China’s Ambassador in Sri Lanka Wu Jianghao, External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris, Senior Minister of Scientific Affairs Prof Tissa Vitharana, Transport Minister Kumara Welgama, Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Karunatilake Amunugama joined the meeting.