China says always stands by SL’s sovereignty, political independence and socioeconomic development

• Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Weidong says will increase investments in several areas such as agriculture, trade and commerce, ports and infrastructure 
• Affirms China will continue to provide economic assistance and support SL’s debt restructuring programme

China this week reiterated its commitment to Sri Lanka, stating it would always stand by Sri Lanka’s sovereignty as well as for political independence and socioeconomic development.

Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong shared the sentiments when he called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees this week. Weidong, while assuring China would increase investments in several areas such as agriculture, trade and commerce, ports and infrastructure development in the island nation, shared it would also continue to provide economic assistance as well as support Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring programme.

Meanwhile, Gunawardena referring to the recent visit of the Governor of the Yunnan Province, expressed confidence that the fruitful discussions held during the visit would enhance cooperation in the 
agriculture sector. 

He opined China could invest in the agriculture projects in the area to be irrigated under the Malwathu Oya project and vegetable and fruit products could be exported to China.

During the visit, Weidong donated 10,000 sets of school bags and supplies, stationery, picture books, oil colour boxes, pencils and pen boxes, sharpeners, erasers, colour oil painting, rulers, water bottles, insulated lunch boxes, fabric of white plain shirt and skirt – 33,000 metres and fabric of blue twill pants – 10,000 metres, for distribution among schools.

Environment Minister Ahamed Naseer, Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Shenhong and the senior officials of the Chinese Foreign Ministry were present at the event.