By Kelum Bandara 

Chinese President Xi Jinping renewed his invitation extended to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to visit China at an early date during a telephone conversation between the two leaders last Monday, the Daily Mirror learns. 

 According to sources from the Chinese embassy, the invitation was extended earlier, but it could not be realised due to the pandemic. President Rajapaksa also expressed his ‘strong willingness’ to travel to China as early as possible once the pandemic situation subsides.  President Xi responded positively to the request by President Rajapaksa to assist in the establishment of a technology university in Hambantota.   Sri Lanka and China have elevated their bilateral relations to the level of strategic 
partnership cooperation.