China on Thursday urged Sri Lanka to ensure the legitimate interests of its companies were protected during the Sri Lankan president’s official visit to Beijing.
"China's cooperation with Sri Lanka is based on mutual benefit and a win-win situation, without any political preconditions," China’s president, Xi Jinping was quoted by China’s state news agency, Xinhua, as saying.
He reportedly added that China wished to help Sri Lanka sustain its development.
His comments come amid ongoing uncertainty over Chinese projects in Sri Lanka, in particular, the Colombo Port City project, which the new Sri Lankan government said it would re-examine before allowing it to proceed.
President Sirisena, who left for Beijing on Wednesday, was greeted by the Chinese President Xi Jinping and the first lady, Peng Liyuan.
Mr Sirisena is on a four day state visit, which will include attending the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference.