China Finance Minister reaffirms support for Sri Lanka

Sarath Amunugama, Senior Minister of International Monetary Cooperation met Xie Xuren, Minister of Finance of China to discuss bilateral relations between China and Sri Lanka, on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.

The discussions were very cordial.

Hon Minister thanked the Chinese Government for the excellent support extended to Sri Lanka and their contribution to the country’s economic development.

Both parties discussed the progress of the Chinese Government funded projects, in particular the Puttalam Coal Power Project, Hambantota Port Development Project, Mattala International Airport Development Project and Katunayake-Colombo Expressway, which is expected to be completed by end of 2011. Further, Amunugama invited Chinese assistance to implement the national railway from Matara to Beliatta as a connecting route between Hambantota Port and the main cities in the neighbouring regions that will ensure an efficient transport network.

Xuren reaffirmed the committed support of the Chinese Government to Sri Lanka and agreed to initiate action to reduce the insurance premium charges applicable for Sri Lanka against the committed credit facilities, considering the present economic and political stability of the country.

Xuren accepted the invitation offered by Amunugama to visit Sri Lanka.