Chinese President congratulates Lankan counterpart

• Wants to enhance relations, deepen cooperation on BRI
• Says Gotabaya Presidency a new chapter in engagement to bring benefits to both countries

President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping yesterday congratulated newly-appointed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you,” President Xi Jinping said in a letter to Rajapaksa.  

The Chinese leader cited the traditional and friendly relations between both nations, and said that they have stood the test of time in changing global area to become vital. 

“I highly appreciate your continuous support and contribution to China-Sri Lanka friendship and cooperation. I attach great importance to the development of our bilateral relations and wish to work together with you to enhance our political mutual trust, docking our development visions and deepen our practical cooperation within the framework of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ to start a new chapter of China-Sri Lanka Strategic Cooperative Partnership and to bring more tangible benefits to our two peoples,” he wrote, wishing Rajapaksa success and good health.