On May 30, 2023, Sri Lanka and China successfully wrapped up their 12th round of diplomatic consultations.
Aruni Wijewardane, secretary to the Sri Lankan ministry of foreign affairs, and Sun Weidong, vice minister of foreign affairs of the People’s Republic of China, co-chaired the discussions at the ministry of foreign affairs in Colombo.
The discussions centered on multilateral collaboration, people-to-people encounters, bilateral cooperation, economic and trade cooperation, the present economic recovery process, livelihood aid and financial support.
A new development paradigm, China’s path to modernization, and the success of lifting millions of Chinese citizens out of poverty over the past forty years were all elaborated upon by the visiting Vice Minister of China, Sun Weidong, who said that there is a chance for result-oriented cooperation with Sri Lanka.
Foreign Minister Aruni Wijewardane expressed appreciation for China’s support for Sri Lanka through the difficult time and asked for China’s cooperation in increasing Sri Lanka’s exports to China, notably the sale of seafood, fruits, vegetables, and gemstones.
She also discussed Sri Lanka’s economic revival and praised the rising number of Chinese visitors.
During the meetings, Sri Lanka and China committed to strengthening their bilateral ties for the benefit of their respective peoples.
The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs met with both Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the trip.
The Sri Lanka-China Parliamentary Friendship Association members and the visiting Chinese team also engaged in fruitful conversation. The delegation is also scheduled to visit the Dewanagala-based Sri Lanka-China Friendship Village. Along with visiting the Mahanayake Thero of the Malwatte Chapter, the Vice Minister will pay respects at the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.
