Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne has called for greater multilateralism and collective action to address global challenges, speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 in China’s Hainan Province.
Addressing the plenary session on March 26 under the theme ‘Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation’, the Speaker highlighted the growing importance of South-South cooperation and inclusive dialogue in tackling geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate change and the rapid rise of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.
He outlined Sri Lanka’s ongoing reform agenda under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, pointing to efforts to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen governance and build a more digital and investment-friendly economy.
He invited regional partners to work with Sri Lanka in renewable energy, tourism, digital services, logistics and advanced manufacturing.
On the sidelines of the conference, Speaker Wickramaratne held a bilateral meeting with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Zhao Leji.
The Speaker noted it was his first official visit to China in his capacity as Speaker and expressed confidence it would further strengthen ties between the two countries.
He highlighted Sri Lanka and China’s long history of trade and cultural exchange along the Maritime Silk Route, spanning more than 2,000 years, and expressed appreciation for China’s recent support following Cyclone Ditwah.
He also highlighted a significant rise in Chinese tourist arrivals, with China now among Sri Lanka’s top five source markets, boosted in part by visa-free arrangements for Chinese nationals.
Chairman Zhao indicated that China is expected to introduce reciprocal visa-free access for Sri Lankan nationals.
The Sri Lankan delegation included Parliament’s Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera and Director of Legislative Services and Acting Director of Communications Jayalath Perera.
The Boao Forum for Asia, now marking its 25th anniversary, is a non-governmental international organisation established in 2001 to promote dialogue between governments, businesses and academia across the region.