Pathfinder Foundation in landmark cooperation between China and Sri Lanka

A Memorandum for Co-operation between the Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD) and the Pathfinder Foundation (PF) was signed yesterday in Colombo. The Memorandum was signed by CPAPD Deputy Secretary General Chen Huaifan and Executive Director Luxman Siriwardena on behalf of the PF.

 The event was witnessed by Pathfinder Foundation Founder Milinda Moragoda, Ambassador for China in Sri Lanka Wu Jianghao, Pathfinder Foundation Chairman Bernard Goonetilleke, MMBL Deputy Chairperson M.D.D. Peiris, former Ambassador to China Nihal Rodrigo and Pathfinder Foundation Project Manager Ameera Arooz.

The objective of cooperation between the two institutions is to develop and implement a programme of action that would strengthen economic, cultural and educational ties between the two countries. Activities so undertaken will be complementary to the government level programmes that are already in place. The cooperation program would see commissioning of policy studies, holding of public seminars in the two countries and facilitating investment and trade promotion missions. Exchange programs for young entrepreneurs as well as academic and cultural institution will be given priority under the envisaged program.

The visiting delegation paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister D.M. Jayarathne prior to the signing of the Memorandum, during which the Prime Minister highlighted the long standing relations between China and Sri Lanka and expressed his satisfaction that the linkup between PF and CPAPD would contribute to development of people to people relations between the two countries. The visiting delegation also met with Director of Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies Professor Indrakeerthi Siriweera and National Peace Council Executive Director Dr. Jehan Perera for discussions.

The governments of China and Sri Lanka have had warm and cordial relations for over six decades and the cooperation between the two countries has had many dimensions. To further strengthen this relationship, especially people to people relations, the Pathfinder Foundation (PF) and Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding of Cooperation in areas such as policy studies, tourism, investment and trade, technology transfer and educational and cultural exchange.

The four member Chinese delegation was led by CPAPD Deputy Secretary General Chen Huaifan. Both the PF and the CPAPD will develop a work programme for implementation over the next few years.