The government of China reiterated its continued support to resettle and rehabilitate the internally displaces persons (IDPs) now staying in relief centres in Sri Lanka. This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi of China when he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Rohitha Bogollagama.

He also said about the government of China’s support towards maintaining Sri Lanka’s independence, territorial integrity & sovereignty. China strictly adheres to the cardinal principle of non interference in internal affairs of sovereign states and stemming from this principle China has supported Sri Lanka in the issues pertaining to human rights in the multilateral fora, he said.

Foreign Minister of China welcomed Sri Lanka’s engagement for a dialogue with other member States.

Focusing on bilateral political issues, both sides acknowledged that the three visits by the President to China since 2007 had resulted in a common understanding reached by the two leaders boosting the all round co-operative partnership. It was also noted that the decisions arrived at the highest level have been turned into concrete action by both governments.

Sri Lanka Foreign Minister particularly thanked the Chinese Government for the timely assistance towards the IDPs and explained in detail the process spearheaded by President Rajapaksa for the empowerment of the people.

In explaining President Rajapaksa’s agenda to find a political solution to political problems, the Minister emphasized in detail the implementing process of the 13th amendment. To this end the Minister also explained that local government elections will be held in Jaffna & Vavuniya in August this year, ushering in an inclusive democratic process of governance.

Minister Yang noted that many of the projects that have commenced in Sri Lanka with Chinese assistance is progressing smoothly and assured China’s co-operation in arresting the negative trade balance faced by Sri Lanka by encouraging the import of marketable products of Sri Lanka and encouraging competitive investors of China to relocate in Sri Lanka.

Minister Bogollagama noted that Puttalam coal power project upon commissioning would generate power to the areas to be reconstructed. It was noted that as a priority area the government has already begun the clearance of landmines which would be a prerequisite for re-settlement and upon completion of this task Government’s 180 day plan would be implemented for expeditious resettlement of IDPs.

Minister Yang responded positively to Minister Bogollagama’s request for landmine clearing equipment and providing sanitary facilitation and water supple system in the IDP centers.

Chinese Minister identified new areas for co-operation with Sri Lanka in the agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry and infrastructure development sectors.

Minister Bogollagama, stressed the importance of tourism industry having tremendous potential in Sri Lanka and spelt out the need to construct the second international airport in the South of Sri Lanka, providing better connectivity for tourists to commute internally.

The Chinese side noted the importance of this project and requested a list of priority projects that Sri Lanka could identify for funding. The Colombo – Katunayake Expressway Project and Hambantota Bunkering projects were also noted as amplifying the economic importance of the country which would soon commence work.

The meeting concluded on a very positive note in further strengthening and consolidating Sri Lanka – China relations and the Chinese Foreign Minister extended an invitation for the President to visit the Shanghai EXPO 2010 which would be another epoch making event in the achievements of China.