(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today requested China to assist rebuilding investor confidence in Sri Lanka for post-pandemic economic recovery, when he met with the Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe, who is on a two-day official visit to Colombo.
Welcoming the Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe, Prime Minister Rajapaksa appreciated the opportunity provided by his visit amidst the pandemic to further strengthen the already strong and friendly bilateral Relations between the two countries.
During the bilateral discussions held with the visiting Chinese Minister, the Prime Minister appreciated China’s donation of 600,000 doses of Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine and said Sri Lanka looks forward to China’s continued support in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.
Following is the Opening Remarks by the Hon. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Bilateral Discussion with General Wei Fenghe State Councilor and Minister of National Defense of CHINA
Hon. Minister, I’m am very happy to welcome you to Sri Lanka. We appreciate your deciding to visit despite the pandemic situation. We have had a number of high-level visits from China since the outbreak of the pandemic. I look forward to our discussion today and the opportunity, through this visit, to further strengthen our already strong and friendly bilateral relations.
At the outset, allow me to convey my warm wishes on the 100th year anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party this year and for all its achievements. It is indeed an important milestone.
Furthermore, let me also congratulate you on your achievements in poverty alleviation. China has uplifted nearly 100 million rural residents out of absolute poverty. And you have accomplished this 10 year in advance of the completion of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goal in poverty alleviation. This is an impressive achievement.
Hon. Minister, | think we can agree that it has now become very clear to the entire world that vaccines will be the only way to overcome this pandemic. On that front, on behalf of all Sri Lankans, | extend my sincere appreciation for the generous donation of 600,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines and Personal Protective Equipment since the outbreak of the pandemic. We look forward to China’s continued support in dealing with this crisis.
Despite the increase in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, our Government has decided not to pursue country-wide lockdowns due to the impact such lockdowns have on our economy and society. I’m sure you’ll agree that there is still a lot that needs to be done for post-pandemic economic recovery. One of our main priorities in this effort is to attract investments from around the world. I look forward your support in rebuilding investor confidence in Sri Lanka.
Hon. Minister, | thank you once again for your visit and look forward to working closely with you and your Government to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic and further enhance our cooperation.
