BEIJING (Oct 14) – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Beijing and called for deeper collaboration between the two countries, particularly in security, law enforcement, and economic development.
Xi said China is ready to strengthen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and expand joint efforts in sectors such as port economy, modern agriculture, digital and green economies, and tourism.
“China and Sri Lanka have long enjoyed a friendship built on mutual trust and support. We are ready to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and open new avenues for shared growth,” Xi told Amarasuriya, according to Chinese state media.
Amarasuriya, who arrived in Beijing on Sunday, attended the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women on Monday before holding separate discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the country’s top political advisor Wang Huning.
During the meetings, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening people-to-people exchanges, trade links, and regional connectivity. Amarasuriya also expressed appreciation for China’s continued support in Sri Lanka’s post-crisis recovery and infrastructure development.
The visit marks Amarasuriya’s first official trip to China since taking office earlier this year and comes as Sri Lanka seeks greater investment to stabilize its economy and diversify partnerships amid growing competition between global powers in the Indian Ocean region.