Ayubowan! Nihao!

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for inviting me to the 3rd China-South Asia Cooperation Forum themed on Mutual Assistance for Regional Shared Development.
Foremost, I would like to warmly congratulate His Excellency, the President of China, Mr. Xi Jinping for securing his third term as the President, cementing his position as one of the most eminent leaders of China.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honor for me to join this year’s China-South Asia Cooperation Forum virtually and I am happy to note that there are more delegations from all over Asia who have been invited this year to attend the forum.

History has been witnessing the fact that diplomatic, naval and cultural relations between Sri Lanka and China have existed for a long period of time. In 400 AD, the most venerable Faxian Monk’s travelling logs mentioned his visit to Sri Lanka. This era was a prosperous time for both countries and Buddhism flourished. In 700 AD, Gokanna Port in Trincomalee and Mahathiththa Port in Mannar are mentioned as the main ports that conducted tourism and logistics management where China operated directly with Sri Lanka.

In Chinese historical reports Sri Lanka is a major intersection as an emporium of the East-West trade hub. The maritime route, connecting China, South Asia, the Arabian Peninsula and Europe, is centrally defined by Sri Lanka. This was known as the Maritime Silk Road. Sri Lanka’s coveted strategic location has made it an epicenter for geo-politics. 

In recent history, the main diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka was led by leaders like Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai and Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Mrs. Bandaranaike was not only a close friend but also acted as a peace envoy between China and the South Asian region. 

Sri Lanka has a vast number of natural resources that can be cultivated for the mutual benefit. The Trincomalee District in the Eastern Province not only has one of the largest natural harbors but is abundant in beauty: pearlescent beaches, crystal clear waters and lush greenery. Trincomalee also has reserves of natural minerals like ilmenite. It has a large land mass of arable land and both man-made and natural reservoirs.The wealth of the Eastern Province can evidently contribute to the shared regional development whilst protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of my country.

The Chinese government has played a major role in the security and governance of the South Asian region and international forums, like this forum, are very important to convey the challenges faced and move forward to fulfill our visions alongside our allies. Sri Lanka is undergoing an economic crisis and is currently taking measures to overcome this. During this journey, I know that China will be a supportive ally.

Sri Lanka has a multitude of investment opportunities from technology, agriculture, renewable energy, tourism and many more. Sharing skills, knowledge and real assets will naturally lead a mutually beneficial partnership that will lead to overall regional development.

Once again, I would like to thank everyone who is present at the 3rd China-South Asia Cooperation Forum and for giving me this opportunity to express my thoughts. As a person who loves my country, throughout history, I have seen that China has always been by our side whenever we needed a friend and I know that China will continue this in the future.

Thank you!