Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during his state visit to China, as more than a dozen Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two governments.
“I am willing to work with you, Mr. President, to chart a new vision for the development of bilateral relations and promote new and greater achievements in China-Sri Lanka friendly cooperation,” Xi said. "China will actively support Sri Lanka in focusing on economic development, and the two countries should jointly foster new highlights in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, as well as cooperation in modern agriculture, digital economy, and marine economy."
Xi emphasised that China’s ongoing efforts to deepen reforms and advance modernization would create new opportunities for Sri Lanka. Acknowledging the “traditional friendship” between the two nations, he noted that bilateral relations over the past 68 years have set an example of mutually beneficial cooperation. The Chinese president also promised continued support for Sri Lanka’s “independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” according to Xinhua.
The two governments signed 15 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering areas such as economic development, education, media, and culture. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said that these agreements are expected to bring long-term benefits, enhancing collaboration in infrastructure, technology, poverty reduction, and tourism.
"China has always been a reliable friend and partner of Sri Lanka," Dissanayake claimed, whilst he also reaffirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to the one-China policy.
The visit to China comes shortly after Dissanayake's inaugural overseas trip to New Delhi, where he assured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Sri Lanka would not act against Indian interests.
While China remains Sri Lanka’s largest bilateral lender, India’s recent financial assistance during the economic crisis has gained significant traction. Dissanayake’s diplomatic efforts appear to be aimed at balancing relations with both regional powers.
Sri Lanka's economic collapse in 2022, triggered by decades of mismanagement, continued militarisation and compounded by the pandemic, has left the island heavily reliant on external assistance. China’s role in restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt—comprising 10% of the country’s total external debt—remains pivotal.
The leaders described their meeting as a step towards a new era of cooperation. "Together, we’re paving the way for a new era of Sri Lanka-China cooperation," Dissanayake stated on social media following the signing of the agreements.
