
19th January 2025 – (Colombo) Sri Lanka and China have reaffirmed their robust partnership within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), following a recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Beijing. This meeting, Dissanayake’s first since assuming office, marks a significant step in enhancing practical cooperation between the two nations.
During discussions on Wednesday, President Xi emphasised the importance of viewing bilateral relations from a strategic perspective, advocating for the development of a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future. He pledged China’s active support for Sri Lanka’s economic growth and called for collaborative efforts to highlight new areas of high-quality BRI cooperation, particularly in modern agriculture, the digital economy, and marine industries.
Dissanayake echoed these sentiments, expressing Sri Lanka’s commitment to improving regional connectivity through BRI initiatives and encouraging greater Chinese investment in his country. The partnership has yielded substantial results, with flagship projects like the Colombo International Container Terminal exemplifying the ongoing success of their cooperation. The terminal, located at the Port of Colombo, has seen its throughput surge from under 600,000 TEUs to 3.35 million TEUs in 2024, significantly enhancing the port’s capabilities.
Hambantota Port, once merely a fishing village, has evolved into a vibrant industrial centre, achieving remarkable milestones in throughput and cruise ship arrivals. Jeevan Premasara, senior general manager at Hambantota International Port Group, highlighted that the port is creating numerous job opportunities for locals and laying a strong foundation for Sri Lanka’s port industry.
The ambitious Colombo Port City project, initiated during Xi’s 2014 visit, has transformed the area into a burgeoning city over the past decade. The recent groundbreaking of a marina commercial project is expected to enhance high-end maritime services in South Asia, attracting tourists and boosting Sri Lanka’s tourism appeal.
For young Sri Lankans like Sithmi Maligaspe, involved in the project for over a year, the initiative represents a chance to retain local talent. “Only by keeping our youth can this country achieve better development,” she noted, as many young people are now learning Chinese to engage with advanced industries.
Harsha Amarasekera, chairman of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, envisions the city as a catalyst for Sri Lanka’s economic growth and a regional financial hub. Yasiru Ranaraja, founding director of the Belt and Road Initiative Sri Lanka, expressed optimism about future cooperation with China in infrastructure and agricultural modernisation.
Notably, the influence of the BRI is evident in daily life, exemplified by the Puttalam Coal Power Plant, prominently featured on the 100-rupee note. This China-built facility has significantly contributed to alleviating Sri Lanka’s electricity shortages, generating around 40% of the nation’s power while adhering to stringent environmental standards.
The dynamic BRI cooperation is making tangible improvements in the lives of Sri Lankans. In Makandura, Chinese agricultural experts have introduced modern farming techniques, fostering lasting relationships with local farmers. Additionally, experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have established a water technology centre to ensure safe drinking water in areas affected by chronic kidney disease.
The China-funded Matara-Beliatta railway extension, Sri Lanka’s first new railway since 1948, is further enhancing public transport and marking a new chapter in the nation’s rail history. As cultural exchanges deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries, Jinith De Silva, president of the Sri Lanka China Society, expressed confidence that these developments will better serve the peoples of both nations.
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