Courtesy The Morning

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was set to depart the country last evening (13) for a four-day State visit to the People’s Republic of China. 

This visit, taking place from 14-17 January, is undertaken at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.  

During the visit, President Dissanayake will hold discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as engage with other senior Chinese officials to strengthen diplomatic ties.  

The agenda includes key focus areas such as technology, agriculture, and poverty alleviation. The President is also scheduled to visit strategic facilities and participate in high-level business forums aimed at enhancing economic collaboration and investment opportunities, a statement said.  

A series of bilateral agreements to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between Sri Lanka and China will be signed during the visit.  

This marks President Dissanayake’s second international State visit since assuming office and is considered a pivotal step in fortifying the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and China. It is anticipated that the visit will significantly advance bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and economic cooperation.  

Meanwhile, last month (December 2024), Dissanayake visited India, marking his first overseas trip since the Presidential Election.

In recent years, China has provided ongoing assistance in areas such as foreign direct investment, infrastructure, energy and more. Following Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, China played a significant role in debt restructuring and its timely support further strengthened the deep friendship between the two nations.

In general, Dissanayake’s China trip is expected to focus on exploring opportunities for collaborative development.