Chinese Defence Minister calls on Sri Lankan President

National Defence Minister of China General Liang Guanglie who arrived in Sri Lanka on a five day official visit yesterday called on the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees.

The Chinese Defence Minister who arrived in the country with a 25-member high powered delegation was warmly welcomed by the Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L Peiris on his arrival and following military traditions the Sri Lanka Army’s Armoured Corps (SLAC) troops accorded General Liang a Guard of Honour.

During his visit, the Chinese defence official is scheduled to conduct talks with Sri Lanka’s top level defence officials.

The Chinese Defense Minister is expected to visit the Sapugaskanda Defence Staff College, the Panagoda army cantonment, Galle and possibly Hambantota.

The visiting Defence Minister is to deliver a special lecture at the Defence Staff College.

China is providing US$ 100 million (Rs. 13.2 billion) for army welfare projects initiated by the Ministry of Defence to set up accommodation and infrastructure facilities in army camps in the north and east.

China has also announced a grant of US$1.5 million for modernization of the Defence Services College in Colombo for children of security forces personnel and the police.

Liang’s visit follows the Sri Lanka Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya’s visit to Beijing in June this year. Chinese Defence Minister who met Sri Lanka Army Commander in Beijing has reiterated China’s support to boost military cooperation between the two countries to a higher level.