Dilith Jayaweera Meets Newly Appointed Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka

Sarvajana Balaya leader and Member of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera met the newly appointed Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Wei Huaqiang, at the Chinese Embassy in Colombo today.

The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, focused on strengthening China-Sri Lanka relations, Chinese-funded development projects, economic cooperation, entrepreneurship and educational opportunities for Sri Lankan youth.

During the discussion, Jayaweera appreciated China's longstanding friendship with Sri Lanka and its contribution to the country's development.

"China is an important friend of Sri Lanka. Considering what China has done for our country, it has expected very little in return," he said.

Ambassador Wei Huaqiang briefed the Sarvajana Balaya delegation on several Chinese-funded development initiatives currently underway in Sri Lanka. Particular attention was given to programmes aimed at providing clean drinking water to communities affected by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

The Ambassador highlighted that improving access to safe drinking water remains a key priority for the Chinese Embassy, noting that such initiatives could benefit thousands of Sri Lankans.

He also invited a Sarvajana Balaya delegation to visit China in the near future and discussed scholarship opportunities for Sri Lankan students interested in pursuing higher education in China.

In addition, the Ambassador invited a party delegation to visit the Hambantota Port to observe its latest developments and gain first-hand insight into its operations and future potential.

Jayaweera expressed his sincere appreciation for China's continued friendship and generosity towards Sri Lanka. He also emphasised the importance of empowering Sri Lankans through progressive politics, economic development and entrepreneurship.

Noting the significant difference in the sizes of the Chinese and Sri Lankan economies, Jayaweera observed that China had continued to extend valuable assistance to Sri Lanka.

He particularly called for greater opportunities for Sri Lankans to benefit from Chinese entrepreneurial knowledge, business experience and practical expertise, enabling local businesses and young entrepreneurs to become more competitive and self-reliant.

Jayaweera also extended a cordial invitation to Ambassador Wei Huaqiang to visit the Sarvajana Balaya party headquarters.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing their willingness to maintain dialogue and explore further opportunities for cooperation that would benefit the people of Sri Lanka.

The Sarvajana Balaya delegation accompanying Jayaweera included:

• Roshan Ranasinghe – Chairman of Sarvajana Balaya and Polonnaruwa District Leader

• Dr. Channa Jayasumana – Deputy Chairman and Colombo District Leader

• Gamini Waleboda – Deputy Chairman and Ratnapura District Leader

• Anuradha Yahampath – Deputy Chairperson

• Attorney-at-Law Madhura Withanage – Head of Operations

• Iranga Mendis – Secretary for International Relations

• Anuruddha Herath – Kurunegala District Leader

Counsellors of the Chinese Embassy, Mei Jing and Jin Enze, also accompanied Ambassador Wei Huaqiang.

The meeting reflected the importance of strengthening the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and China while exploring new avenues for cooperation in economic development, education, entrepreneurship and people-to-people relations.