H.E the President Maithripala Sirisena visited Beijing from 13th-16th May to attend the International Asian Civilization Dialogue as a special invitee. More than two thousand delegates and State leaders including Cambodia, Greece, Armenia, Singapore, Belarus, Brunei and dignitaries from 47 Asian and other countries outside the region attended the event.
Addressing the conference of Asian Civilizations Dialog on 15th May, President Maithripala Sirisena said that all countries should cooperate with each other to wipe out international terrorism and religious extremism. Speaking further, the President Sirisena proposed that the voice of this group of Asian civilizations and the unity of the people as a friendly alliance under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jingping should be an asset to defeat international terrorism and religious extremist terrorism which has become the major threat to our cultural heritage and civilized values. One civilization cannot be surpassed by another civilization while the civilization and cultural values cannot be surpassed by any law or an international forces, said the President. The President further mentioned that the Sri Lankan civilization was built within a foundation of Buddhism which its own identity that dates back to 2600 years while all ethnic groups belonging to Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Malay, and Burger live harmoniously and follow Buddhism, Christianity, Hindu and Islam religions.
The President expressed the importance of holding hands together by all the nations as one in order not to allow any threat to be faced by any country, or ethnic group or any civilization. Sri Lanka, as a country that is free and peaceful is faced with challenges by an unseen forces that impacts Sri Lankan civilization and culture, he said. President Sirisena called for an international dialogue to meet the challenges faced by countries which inherit unique civilizations and cultural values. He expressed appreciation over the Dialogue organized by China, a country with a great civilization and thanked President Xi Jinping for giving an opportunity to participate in this important conference.
Three bilateral meetings were held with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, and Chairman of Chinese People Public Committee (CPPC) Wang Yang during this visit. At the bilateral meeting held with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he agreed to provide all possible assistance to Sri Lanka in its endeavor to strengthen national security by wiping out the scourge of terrorism and announced the willingness of granting 100 million RMB to the defence sector in Sri Lanka. President Xi said that China is always ready to go hand in hand with Sri Lanka which is recovering after effectively facing the challenge of terrorism adding that the Chinese government will provide any assistance to Sri Lanka at any time. The two governments also signed two protocol agreements promoting closer cooperation in the field of defence following the bilateral discussion between the two leaders. President Sirisena briefed his Chinese counterpart about the Easter Sunday attacks, steps taken by the government following the attacks and the new security mechanism put in place by the government. President Sirisena conveyed his condolences to the families and the Government of China for untimely death of Chinese nationals on 21st April terrorist attacks in Colombo. He particularly mentioned about four Chinese scientists who made a immense contribution to joint research by two countries on ocean technology. They faced this explosion while on their research in Colombo.
The discussion also focused on strengthening cooperation in the defence sector and sharing intelligence between the two countries. President Sirisena said that the country does not have technological expertise and equipment to trace the individuals who are fanning the flames of terrorism by propagating false information through social media. Recalling relations between two countries President Sirisena sincerely thanked Chinese government and its people for providing assistance for several infrastructure projects. He particularly mentioned about Chinese built Superior Court Complex and necessity for expansion of court complex with emerging needs of further construction.
The Chinese President agreed to provide necessary technological expertise and equipment to the country immediately. He also informed President Sirisena that a Chinese technical team will be sent to Sri Lanka soon to look into the matter. Both leaders also discussed on the progress of development projects being implemented in the country with Chinese financial assistance.
During the meeting with Premier Li Keqiang, the Premier said that China and Sri Lanka are important partners and the friendly exchanges between the two peoples have spanned thousands of years. Further he expressed the willingness of China to strengthen mutual understanding with Sri Lanka, to promote mutual benefit and win-win cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and as equal partners to consolidate traditional friendship, cooperation within the multilateral framework and safeguard the common interests of both sides, promote the "One Belt - One Road" initiative, and the construction of major cooperation projects. They also discussed on the progress of Kidney hospital being constructed in Polonnaruwa with Chinese assistance. President Sirisena requested further cooperation in the field at economic cooperation namely promote Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka and more access to Sri Lankan imports. Furthermore he stated that Sri Lanka appreciates China's long-standing support for Sri Lanka's economic and social development and China was always a reliable friend of Sri Lanka at multilateral forums such as the United Nations.
On 14th May 2019, President Sirisena met Hon. Wang Yang, Chairman of CPPCC, who is the 4th most senior leader in Chinese hierarchy during the banquet hosted by him at the National Guest House. While appreciating the leadership of President Sirisena, Chairman Wang Yang stated that Sri Lanka is an old friend of China and appreciated President’s visit to China during the difficult times after the May 21st terrorist attack. China condemns the terrorism and informed that they were able to resolve terrorist threat in China. Further he mentioned that in order to combat extremism, the mechanism has to be strengthened and China is willing to corporate in this area.
President Sirisena conveyed his thanks for the invitation and recalled the economic development gained by Sri Lanka with the support of Chinese investments and various Economic Aid and requested further assistance of China for development. He referred to the donation of 10 jeeps to Sri Lanka Police Department and mentioned that the Chinese Government promised to grant a total of 100 jeeps. President Sirisena requested to accelerate the construction of Industrial Park at Hambanthota as agreed.
Sri Lanka’s adherence to ‘One China’ policy was highly appreciated by the Chairman and emphasized that China will enhance bilateral corporation towards economic development of China. At the same time, he reiterated their cooperation to build a financial center at the Port City.
The Sri Lanka delegation included a group of ten middle school students from Polonnaruwa accompanied by a teacher who were given an opportunity to experience the Chinese society and culture during the visit. Further, two Cabinet Ministers; Hon. Thalatha Atukorala, Hon. Daya Gamage, and the State Minister Hon. Asoka Abeysinghe and two Governors; Hon. Keerthi Thennakoon and Dr. Suren Ragwan were in President’s delegation in addition to Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China and other diplomats of the Embassy. Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry officials were led by Additional Secretary Mr. Sumith Nakandala. The Chinese delegations were comprised by Foreign Minister Hon. Wang Yi, Commerce Minister Hon. Zhong Shan, State Counsellor Hon. Yang Jiechi, Vice Foreign Minister Hon. Kong Xuan You, Vice Commerce Minister Hon. Qian Keming, Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Mr. Cheng Xue Yuan and the Director General of Asian Affairs of Chinese Foreign Ministry Mr. Wu Jianghao.
