Acknowledging the contribution made by China for the development of thecountry, President Rajapaksa stated that Sri Lanka's economy has beengreatly benefited by some mega-projects funded by China in recent yearsand expressed his gratitude to China's participation in Sri Lanka'seconomic rebuilding process, after decades of LTTE terrorism ended lastyear.
Commending the able leadership of the President, the Governor statedthat President Rajapaksa’s overwhelming political success following astrong mandate in the recent elections, were due to his leadership inliberating the country from terrorism and his commitment towards theeconomic development of the country.
The two leaders stressed the need to enhance the cooperation betweenthe two countries in many areas such as economy, education, culture,agriculture, investment and tourism. Referring to the maiden flight byChina Eastern Airlines from Kunming to Sri Lanka with ‘a planeload offriendship’, the Governor of the Yunnan Province said that it wouldundoubtedly increase the tourist arrivals from China to Sri Lanka. Hefurther added that the business delegation which accompanied him waskeen to collaborate with their counterparts in Sri Lanka to promotetrade and investment.
While welcoming the visiting Governor to the Ministry of ExternalAffairs Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris opined thatvisits of this nature would make a valuable contribution towardsenhancing the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.
Governor Guangrong also noted that Yunnan Province in China was atourism province, filled with abundance of natural resources while SriLanka was a well known tourist destination.
Referring to his visit to China in August 2010, the Minister ofExternal Affairs stated that the visit provided him with an opportunityto brief the leaders of the Chinese Government on the current politicalsituation and development process in Sri Lanka.
He expressed appreciation for the various assistances rendered by Chinaand requested the Governor of the Yunnan Province to encourage moreChinese investors to explore the potential and opportunities availablein the North and East of Sri Lanka with the dawn of peace and stability.
Several MoUs were signed in the spheres of agriculture, highereducation, bio-mass and tourism promotion, providing more impetus tothe relations between the two countries.
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