At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will embark on a state visit to China from January 14 to 17, marking his first official trip to the country since taking office. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying confirmed the visit on Friday, highlighting its significance for strengthening China-Sri Lanka relations.
During the visit, President Xi will hold bilateral talks with Dissanayake, while Premier Li Qiang and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji are also scheduled to meet with him, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated.
The visit underscores the enduring partnership between China and Sri Lanka, a relationship that dates back to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1957. Despite evolving international dynamics, the two nations have maintained a steady and cooperative relationship, exemplifying mutually beneficial collaboration, Guo emphasized.
China is keen to leverage the visit to enhance political trust and deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has positioned Sri Lanka as a vital partner due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean. Beijing seeks to expand its partnership with Colombo to support economic recovery and advance high-quality BRI development, according to Hu Zhiyong, a professor and research fellow at Zhejiang International Studies University.
President Dissanayake, who assumed office in September 2024, is focused on exploring avenues to align with the BRI for Sri Lanka’s growth. The visit comes shortly after his trip to India in December, highlighting Sri Lanka’s strategic diplomatic engagements in the region.
Indian media, including Indian Express, have closely monitored Dissanayake’s visit to China, viewing it through the lens of regional influence dynamics. Reports have noted India’s concerns over China’s growing presence in South Asia, often framing it with narratives such as the “debt trap” or “China threat.” However, experts argue that nations like Sri Lanka are increasingly pursuing independent foreign policies to prioritize their own development.
President Dissanayake’s visit is expected to further consolidate the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership, fostering greater benefits for both nations and their peoples.
