Chinese top official reiterates commitment to helping Sri Lanka

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Chinese International Department Vice Minister Chen Zhou yesterday told political party leaders that China is ready to work with any party and that the developing world can benefit greatly from collaboration with Beijing.

Zhou made this statement, briefing political party representatives, and journalists, on the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.

He said that Sri Lanka and China have a long standing relationship and China is committed to help Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the event, UNP stalwart and senior advisor to the President on Climate change, Ruwan Wijewardene, said that UNP was the first party to establish a relationship with the CPC.

“We commend the progress China has made under President Xi Jinping and we believe the resolutions made at the 20th National Congress will be beneficial to all,” he said.

A high-level delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by Zhou, will be in Sri Lanka till 18 January.

Apart from hosting a briefing on the CPC National Congress, the delegation is scheduled to meet leaders of the government and political parties of Sri Lanka, and to promote the bilateral relations and inter-parties exchanges between China and Sri Lanka.