Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Palitha Kohona Photo: Courtesy of Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing

Recently, the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) development and the milestones of China-Sri Lanka relations were held at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing. Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Palitha Kohona, Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Hon. Ali Sabry, together with Chinese and foreign media representatives attended the event.

Ambassador Kohona said, "China and Sri Lanka are traditionally friendly and close neighbors, and the relationship between the two countries has a long history. The Maritime Silk Road has flourished in trade exchanges, and cooperation in trade, culture, and humanities has developed rapidly, which has promoted the development of relations between the two countries. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) navigator Zheng He made several voyages to Sri Lanka between 1405 and 1433. The stone monument erected by Zheng He is kept in the National Museum of Sri Lanka, which is a testimony to the history and friendship between Sri Lanka and China."

Sabry noted that China and Sri Lanka maintain deep, close, and fruitful exchanges and cooperation in many fields. Extensive discussions on bilateral political, economic, trade, investment, tourism, and financial issues underscored the strength of the bilateral relationship. 

During the event, he expressed appreciation for China's support in financial management during Sri Lanka's economic crisis.