The Government of China on Tuesday said it stands ready to broaden and deepen practical cooperation with Sri Lanka under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang expressed these views during a press conference held on Tuesday.

Commenting on the opening of the Beliatta Railway Project, Lu said the railway extension project was the first railway project undertaken by a Chinese enterprise under the Belt and Road Initiative in Sri Lanka.

“It is Sri Lanka's first railway built after its independence. It will help provide more convenient transportation in the southern region and give a strong boost to local economic and social development. The people of Sri Lanka are happy with it and we feel happy for them, too. China stands ready to broaden and deepen practical cooperation with Sri Lanka under the Belt and Road Initiative to bring more tangible benefits to the Sri Lankan people,” he said.