On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, President Xi Jinping met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People.
Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Sri Lanka enjoy a time-honored friendship and the two peoples share a natural affinity. To consolidate and develop well China-Sri Lanka relations is in line with the fundamental interests and common aspiration of the two peoples. China is ready to work with Sri Lanka to continue to carry forward the spirit of the Rubber-Rice Pact characterized by independence, self-reliance, unity and mutual support, consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen exchanges of experience in governance, expand practical cooperation, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continuously deepen the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership based on sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship.
Xi Jinping stressed that China firmly supports Sri Lanka in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and national dignity, exploring a modernization path suited to its national conditions, and will continue to provide assistance within its capacity for Sri Lanka's economic and social development. The two sides should make joint efforts to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, particularly the two flagship projects of Colombo Port City and Hambantota comprehensive development project, deepen cooperation in logistics, energy, and industry, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in digital economy, green economy, clean energy, culture and tourism, marine economy, and other fields. China will continue to import more unique and high-quality products from Sri Lanka, and encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Sri Lanka. China hopes that Sri Lanka will provide a fair and transparent business environment. China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Sri Lanka on rural poverty reduction and help Sri Lanka achieve economic transformation, upgrading and sustainable development. The two sides should further carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, safeguard the common interests of China and Sri Lanka and international fairness and justice, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Dinesh Gunawardena said Sri Lanka and China enjoy traditional friendship. Sri Lanka unequivocally adheres to the one-China principle, unambiguously pursues the policy of friendly cooperation with China and always sees China as a priority in its foreign relations. Sri Lanka will never forget that China has always lent a helping hand to Sri Lanka in times of difficulty. Sri Lanka and China are friends tested by adversity and with a shared future. Projects such as the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota comprehensive development project have greatly boosted Sri Lanka's economic and social development, as well as the overall development of the region. The Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping have injected new impetus and positive energy into world peace and development, and Sri Lanka will actively support and participate in the initiatives. Sri Lanka is ready to continue to work with China to carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, deepen bilateral friendly relations, advance Belt and Road cooperation, expand cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, education, tourism and poverty reduction, strengthen international multilateral communication and coordination, and promote the building of an Asian community with a shared future and a community with a shared future for mankind.
Wang Yi attended the meeting.