President visits Beijing, China to attend International Asian Civilisation Dialogue

School children attended the conference

President Sirisena addreses Asian Civilisation Dialogue

President Sirisena with President Xi Jinping and other global leaders

President Maithripala Sirisena visited Beijing from 13 to 16 May to attend the International Asian Civilisation Dialogue as a special invitee. More than 2,000 delegates and State leaders including Cambodia, Greece, Armenia, Singapore, Belarus, Brunei and dignitaries from 47 Asian and other countries outside the region attended the event.

Addressing the conference of Asian Civilisations Dialog on 15 May, President Maithripala Sirisena said that all countries should cooperate with each other to wipe out international terrorism and religious extremism. 

Speaking further, President Sirisena proposed that the voice of this group of Asian civilisations and the unity of the people as a friendly alliance under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jingping should be an asset to defeat international terrorism and religious extremist terrorism which has become the major threat to our cultural heritage and civilised values. One civilisation cannot be surpassed by another civilisation while the civilisation and cultural values cannot be surpassed by any law or an international forces, said the President. 

The President further mentioned that the Sri Lankan civilisation was built within a foundation of Buddhism which its own identity that dates back to 2600 years while all ethnic groups belonging to Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Malay, and Burgher live harmoniously and follow Buddhism, Christianity, Hindu and Islam religions.

The President expressed the importance of holding hands together by all the nations as one in order not to allow any threat to be faced by any country, or ethnic group or any civilisation. Sri Lanka, as a country that is free and peaceful is faced with challenges by unseen forces that impact Sri Lankan civilisation and culture, he said. President Sirisena called for an international dialogue to meet the challenges faced by countries which inherit unique civilisations and cultural values. 

He expressed appreciation over the Dialogue organised by China, a country with a great civilisation and thanked President Xi Jinping for giving an opportunity to participate in this important conference. Three bilateral meetings were held with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, and Chairman of Chinese

People Public Committee (CPPC) Wang Yang during this visit. At the bilateral meeting held with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he agreed to provide all possible assistance to Sri Lanka in its endeavour to strengthen national security by wiping out the scourge of terrorism and announced the willingness of granting 100 that Sri Lanka appreciates China’s long-standing support for Sri Lanka’s economic and social development and China was always a reliable friend of Sri Lanka at multilateral forums such as the United Nations.

On 14 May, President Sirisena met CPPCC Chairman Wang Yang, who is the 4th most senior leader in Chinese hierarchy during the banquet hosted by him at the National Guest House. While appreciating the leadership of President Sirisena, Chairman Wang Yang stated that Sri Lanka is an old friend of China and appreciated President’s visit to China during the difficult times after the 21 April terrorist attack. China condemns the terrorism and informed that they were able to resolve terrorist threat in China.

Further he mentioned that in order to combat extremism, the mechanism has to be strengthened and China is willing to corporate in this area. 

President Sirisena conveyed his thanks for the invitation and recalled the economic development gained by Sri Lanka with the support of Chinese investments and various Economic Aid and requested further assistance of China for development. He referred to the donation of 10 jeeps to Sri Lanka Police Department and mentioned that the Chinese Government promised to grant a total of 100 jeeps. President Sirisena requested to accelerate the construction of Industrial Park at Hambantota as agreed.

Sri Lanka’s adherence to ‘One China’ policy was highly appreciated by the Chairman and emphasised that China will enhance bilateral corporation towards economic development of China. At the same time, he reiterated their cooperation to build a financial centre at the Port City.

The Sri Lanka delegation included a group of 10 middle school students from Polonnaruwa accompanied by a teacher who were given an opportunity to experience the Chinese society and culture during the visit. Further, two Cabinet Ministers Thalatha Atukorala, Daya Gamage, and State Minister Asoka Abeysinghe and two Governors Keerthi Thennakoon and Dr. Suren Ragwan were in President’s delegation in addition to Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China and other diplomats of the Embassy. Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry officials were led by Additional Secretary Sumith Nakandala. 

The Chinese delegations were comprised by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Commerce Minister Zhong Shan, State Counsellor Yang Jiechi, Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuan You, Vice

Commerce Minister Qian Keming, Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Cheng Xue Yuan and the

Director General of Asian Affairs of Chinese Foreign Ministry Wu Jianghao.