New Chinese Ambassador Wei Huaxiang arrives in Sri Lanka, pledges to strengthen China-Sri Lanka ties

The newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Sri Lanka, Wei Huaxiang, arrived in in the country today (11) to assume his post, pledging to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

In a statement issued upon his arrival, Ambassador Wei described his appointment as a great honour and privilege and expressed his admiration for Sri Lanka’s rich history, natural beauty and hospitable people.

He highlighted the longstanding ties between China and Sri Lanka, referring to centuries of maritime and cultural exchanges, the Rubber-Rice Pact, and the strengthening of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Ambassador Wei said China-Sri Lanka cooperation had expanded across various sectors under the Belt and Road Initiative, bringing tangible benefits to people in both countries.

He noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya during their respective visits to China in 2025, saying the high-level engagements had provided new strategic direction for bilateral relations.

He said China regards Sri Lanka as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and is prepared to strengthen cooperation in support of Sri Lanka’s economic development and efforts to improve the livelihoods of its people.

Ambassador Wei also highlighted several examples of bilateral cooperation, including the China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Centre for Water Technology and the provision of school uniform materials to Sri Lankan students.

He said the two countries will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the Rubber-Rice Pact in 2027.

The newly appointed envoy pledged to work towards strengthening traditional friendship, expanding mutually beneficial cooperation and safeguarding the legitimate interests of Chinese institutions and citizens in Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Wei also called for closer engagement with people from various sectors in both countries to further deepen China-Sri Lanka relations.