China always supports Lanka - Vice PM

The People's Republic of China will not support any action taken against Sri Lanka, People's Republic of China Vice Premier Ma Kai said.

China is a friend of Sri Lanka and will never forget the ties it has with Sri Lanka, the Deputy Vice Premier said when he met Prime Minister D M Jayaratne yesterday.

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne meets People’s Republic of China Vice Premier Ma Kai

The meeting was held at Haigeng Gargen Hotel, Kunming City in the Unnan Province. The Vice Premier said Sri Lanka has always supported China.

He said China will assist Sri Lanka to rise to an international level and several agreements have been signed between the two countries to uplift Sri Lanka's economy.

"Partnership agreements are being further formulated at the discretion of the two countries. Feasible approaches are being studied to convert raw material available in Sri Lanka to a production mode," Ma said. He said direct cooperation would pave the way to build a good future for both countries.

"China is concerned about the economic development strategies of Sri Lanka. During the past 15 years, Sri Lanka-China friendship has moved to a new avenue. Sri Lanka's master development plan has been appreciated by China," the Vice Premier said. Prime Minister Jayaratne said Sri Lanka works closely with China.

"Sri Lanka expects 10 million tourists from China. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has signed over 15 agreements with China. Expo 2013 Trade Exhibition is a blessing to South Asian countries," he said.

The Prime Minister requested China's Vice Premier to visit Sri Lanka.