Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Wei Huaxiang yesterday signalled a push for deeper economic cooperation between the two countries, saying China was ready to strengthen the alignment of development strategies and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.
Ambassador Wei, who arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday to assume office, said bilateral relations had entered a new phase following high-level engagements between the two countries in 2025.
“China is ready to walk side by side with Sri Lanka, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, and open up broad prospects for mutual success and shared prosperity,” he said in a written statement delivered on arrival.
He pointed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya’s respective visits to China in 2025 and meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying the engagements had provided “new strategic guidance” for bilateral relations.
“China always takes Sri Lanka as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy,” Ambassador Wei said, describing the two countries as partners in development and “win-win cooperation”.
He said China-Sri Lanka cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and across other sectors had produced results benefiting both countries, while highlighting the longstanding economic relationship symbolised by the Rubber-Rice Pact.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Wei pledged to work towards expanding bilateral economic cooperation during his tenure.
“We will do our utmost to carry forward our traditional friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese institutions and citizens,” he said.
His appointment comes ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China and the 75th anniversary of the Rubber-Rice Pact in 2027.