President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to the country early today after completing a successful tour in China.

He visited China on an invitation extended by the Chinese President Hu Jintao.

During his four-day official visit President Rajapaksa was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by Beijing Foreign Studies University.

The newly built Sri Lanka Research Centre at Beijing Foreign Studies University was also declared open by the President .

He also held bilateral discussions with Chinese President Hu Jintoa and the Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.

Prior to the departure President yesterday attended the opening ceremony of Universiade, the large-scale international sports event in China, at Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre as a special invitee.

Universiade is a biannual sports event participated by university students throughout the world.
Around 55 university students from Sri Lanka representing all universities including North and East universities, attended the event.

External Affairs Minister Prof GL Peiris, Higher Education Minister S.B.Dissanayake, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Foreign Ministry Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama and Sri Lankan ambassador to China Ranjith Uyangoda accompanied ti President during China tour.