A high-level delegation from the Export-Import Bank of China (China EXIM Bank) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening development cooperation with Sri Lanka during discussions with Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, with both sides agreeing to expedite the amended financing agreement for a key section of the Central Expressway Project.
The delegation, led by China EXIM Bank Vice President Ms. Yang Dongning, visited Sri Lanka on July 2 and held talks with the Deputy Minister and Treasury officials on a range of bilateral development priorities.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the discussions were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, reaffirming the longstanding friendship and development partnership between Sri Lanka and the People’s Republic of China. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation with the China EXIM Bank and advancing priority development initiatives aimed at supporting Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
A key item on the agenda was the progress of the amended Financing Agreement for Section I (Kadawatha–Meerigama) of the Central Expressway Project (CEP-1), which is financed by the China EXIM Bank. Both parties reviewed the current status of the amendment process and reiterated their commitment to expediting the remaining procedures.
The Sri Lankan Government expressed its intention to complete the necessary formalities and sign the amended financing agreement before the end of August 2026, subject to the completion of the respective internal procedures of both countries.
During the discussions, Dr. Fernando outlined the Government’s vision for achieving sustainable economic growth through the development of priority sectors, including tourism, value-added manufacturing integrated with global value chains, logistics, energy and information technology. He also highlighted the Government’s focus on promoting technology-driven industries, fostering innovation and diversifying export markets to enhance Sri Lanka’s global competitiveness.
The Deputy Minister further elaborated on ongoing efforts to strengthen the education sector, with particular emphasis on improving the professional knowledge and skills of young people through technical and vocational education. He noted that these initiatives are expected to contribute significantly to the country’s human capital development.
In response, the Chinese delegation expressed its willingness to strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions in China and Sri Lanka through capacity-building programmes, knowledge exchange and academic collaboration. The discussions also covered broader areas of bilateral economic and development cooperation, with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with Sri Lanka and China reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening their strategic development partnership. Both parties expressed confidence that continued collaboration would support Sri Lanka’s sustainable economic development while further enhancing the enduring friendship between the two nations
Source: Daily News
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