Sri Lanka Keen to Strengthen Cooperation with China, Says Speaker

05-Jul-2026

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Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne has said Sri Lanka looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with China in ways that benefit both countries and support their development goals.

Speaking at the launch of a publication on Chinese President Xi Jinping's governance philosophy and at a forum on Sri Lanka-China modernisation, the Speaker noted that the two countries share a long-standing friendship dating back to ancient maritime trade links.

He said bilateral relations have expanded in recent decades through mutual trust, respect for sovereignty and practical cooperation in infrastructure, trade, education, tourism, healthcare and cultural exchanges, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka's socio-economic development.

The Speaker reaffirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to sustainable and inclusive development through key national initiatives, including environmental sustainability, digital transformation, poverty alleviation, governance reforms and skills development.

He also welcomed partnerships based on equality, mutual respect and shared aspirations, expressing Sri Lanka's willingness to deepen cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative and other mutually beneficial programmes.

Emphasising the role of Parliament in strengthening international relations, Wickramaratne said parliamentary exchanges between Sri Lanka and China continue to enhance mutual understanding and support broader bilateral ties. He expressed confidence that closer academic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges would further reinforce the longstanding friendship between the two nations.