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- At the invitation of His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, undertook a state visit to the People’s Republic of China from January 14 to January 17, 2025.
- During the visit, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held discussions with President Xi Jinping and met with Premier Li Qiang of the State Council and Chairman Zhao Leji of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. In a friendly and cordial atmosphere, both sides engaged in detailed exchanges of views and reached extensive common understandings on strengthening the traditional friendship between China and Sri Lanka, advancing high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting practical cooperation across multiple sectors, and exchanging views on regional and international matters of mutual interest.
- Both sides acknowledged that over 68 years of diplomatic relations, China and Sri Lanka have consistently respected and supported each other as friendly partners, despite their differences in size and geography, setting a fine example of amicable interactions and mutually beneficial cooperation between nations. They expressed their commitment to carrying forward the spirit of the Rubber-Rice Pact, which embodies independence, mutual trust, cooperation, and mutual assistance, while adhering to the principles of mutual respect, trust, and shared development. Both sides pledged to expand strategic cooperative partnership based on sincere mutual support and long-term friendship, aimed at delivering greater benefits to the people of both countries and building a shared future.
- Both sides agreed to maintain close high-level interactions to provide strategic guidance and momentum for bilateral relations, strengthen exchanges between the two governments, parliaments, and political parties, and share governance and development experiences to enhance bilateral ties further.
- The two sides reaffirmed their mutual support on issues of core national interest. Sri Lanka reiterated its firm commitment to the One-China principle, recognizing the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the entirety of China and affirming that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. Sri Lanka expressed strong support for all efforts by China to achieve national reunification and opposed any form of “Taiwan independence.” Sri Lanka assured that its territory would not be used for anti-China or separatist activities and reiterated its firm support on matters concerning Xinjiang and Tibet. China, in turn, reaffirmed its support for Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the independent choices Sri Lanka makes regarding its path to national development.
- China extended its best wishes to Sri Lanka for successfully conducting its 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections and conveyed its readiness to provide active support to the new government in promoting economic and social development, unity, stability, and prosperity in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka commended China’s achievements in building a modern socialist country and pledged support for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through the path of modernization. Sri Lanka also acknowledged that China’s efforts to expand reforms and promote high-quality openness would create new opportunities for its economic progress.
- Under the guidance and encouragement of the two leaders, China and Sri Lanka have achieved productive outcomes under the Belt and Road Initiative. Sri Lanka valued the initiative’s significant contributions to its economic and social development and livelihoods. Both sides agreed to continue advancing major projects, including the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port development, and implement livelihood projects based on the principles of consultation, collaboration, and shared benefits. Both parties signed a cooperation plan under the Belt and Road Initiative to enhance high-quality collaboration and open new avenues for sustainable and inclusive development.
- Sri Lanka expressed its gratitude for China’s essential support during debt restructuring and financial difficulties, including its assistance in restructuring Chinese-related loans. Sri Lanka affirmed its commitment to promptly implementing the agreed debt restructuring plan with Chinese financial institutions. China reaffirmed its positive role in assisting Sri Lanka with financial challenges and facilitating constructive dialogue with other creditors.
- Both sides expressed satisfaction with progress in economic and trade cooperation. Sri Lanka appreciated China’s efforts to promote imports from Sri Lanka and pledged to strengthen ties with Chinese importers and exporters in key industries such as tea and gemstones. Both parties agreed to expedite the conclusion of a comprehensive free trade agreement based on mutual benefit and equality. China committed to encouraging more Chinese enterprises to invest in Sri Lanka, creating a favorable investment and business environment, and facilitating Sri Lanka’s economic transformation and sustainable development.
- Both sides exchanged positive views on broad agricultural cooperation and knowledge sharing. China expressed its willingness to implement training and demonstration programs in biotechnology, crop breeding, aquaculture, and other areas to support Sri Lanka’s sustainable agricultural development. China also proposed expanding exports of Sri Lanka’s signature products, such as tea, fruits, cinnamon, and aquatic products, to China. Both sides emphasized enhancing collaboration in poverty reduction and rural revitalization and pledged to deepen agricultural cooperation for mutual benefit.
