China
with its centuries old history is a glorious country
that has contributed much to human civilization. Ancient
China has many inventions that won it global acclaim
and helped the progress of mankind. The discovery of
the compass, printing technology and gunpowder are only
some of them.
China is not only an enormous country.
It deserves a special place among the community of nations
as a land whose people have a rich economic, political,
cultural and educational experience and knowledge, in
addition to technological maturity in many spheres.
Hence we in Sri Lanka could draw
many lessons from the unique country that is China.
Relations between Sri Lanka and China
date back many centuries. They were first established
during the reign of Emperor Ping in 206 B.C. Between
13 and 989 A.D. Sri Lankan kings have sent as many as
13 delegations to China. The visit of the Chinese monk
Fa Hsien in the 5th Century AD to Sri Lanka is
a significant landmark in our relations.
Today the PRC is a powerful nation
in the international arena. Sri Lankans are inspired
by the renaissance achieved in China following the birth
of the PRC in 1949. Since then China, has with a firm
foundation embarked on a long journey along a carefully
chosen and correct path.
Diplomatic relations between our
two countries were established on February 7, 1957.
Since then China has been a close friend and ally of
Sri Lanka. We hail unreservedly its positive attitude
to Sri Lanka's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
We have also reciprocated with a historic friendship.
We support continuously and steadfastly the One China
Policy. It was so yesterday and it is so today. Tomorrow
too it will be the same.
On this occasion I would like to
recall with gratitude the valuable assistance rendered
by China for our development. The Rubber - Rice Pact
signed by our two countries in 1952 paved the way to
carry forward our friendly relations. China helps us
in various ways to develop our housing, highways, electrical
power projects, hospitals and education. I am pleased
to say that the Chinese government has provided assistance
to many gigantic development projects initiated under
the Mahinda Chintana.
China has made a huge investment
in the Puttalam Power Plant. We appreciate the readiness
of China to make a similar contribution to the Hambantota
Port Project.
Our country is faced with the enormous
challenge of combating cruel terrorism. Our main objective
is to eliminate this terrorism and open the way for
all our people to live freely. We value very much the
international assistance we receive for this effort.
Today we are decisively defeating terrorism. I recall
with gratitude the assistance we receive from China
to combat terrorism.
Today China has achieved tremendous
progress in the economic, cultural, tourism and industrial
spheres. We not only congratulate China for this but
are also proud of the achievements of our friend.
The President of the PRC and I decided
at our meeting to raise our relations to a higher level.
We included proposals valuable for infrastructure development,
tourism and cultural cooperation. We also entered into
several agreements this morning to give effect to the
above decision.
Fifty years is a long period. During
it many changes and upheavals took place in the world.
Yet they did not affect the friendship between our two
countries. On this occasion of the Golden Jubilee of
the establishment of our diplomatic relations I would
like to wish that our historic friendly relations continue
forever.
On behalf of myself, my government
and the entire Sri Lankan people I would also like I
extend my greetings to the well being of the People's
Republic of China and its people.
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