China and Sri Lanka have expressed their commitment to jointly advancing the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during discussions held between Sri Lankan leaders and a senior Chinese political advisor. On Wednesday, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with Qin Boyong, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China National Democratic Construction Association. Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya also held talks with Qin.
Qin emphasized China’s willingness to work with Sri Lanka to promote the high-quality development of the BRI and deepen practical cooperation under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ leaders. He also expressed China’s commitment to advancing the strategic cooperative partnership characterized by sincere mutual assistance and enduring friendship.
Sri Lankan leaders thanked China for its support in the country’s economic and social development. They affirmed that the new government would adhere firmly to the One-China principle, continue high-level exchanges with China, and work towards the high-quality development of the BRI while deepening cooperation across various fields. During his visit to Sri Lanka from Monday to Thursday, Qin also met with Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament.