The Government of Sri Lanka highly values China’s continuous support, both economic and political, to the nation, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the Prime Minister made the observation when the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong called on him at the Temple Trees in Colombo on Wednesday (21).
Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said China has offered an additional US$ 400,000 worth of food and other humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka and requested the Prime Minister to provide a list of immediate requirements.
The Prime Minister thanked him for the assistance provided by China to alleviate the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister also made a special mention of the Chinese stand in support of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty at the international forums including the UNHRC.
The discussion was initiated with a satisfactory reference to the historical bilateral relations between the two countries. During the meeting, the importance of further strengthening the existing economic cooperation between China and Sri Lanka in the face of the current economic crisis was emphasized.
Prime Minister Gunawardena said Sri Lanka would welcome direct private investments as well as investments in agriculture, renewable energy, irrigation, and water supply sectors to provide long-term solutions to economic issues.
The Chinese Ambassador expressed satisfaction over the progress of Sri Lanka’s discussions with the International Monetary Fund.
Pointing out that China is also a member of the IMF, the Ambassador assured that the necessary support will be provided to Sri Lanka in the meeting of the IMF Board of Directors. (NewsWire)