Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya recently gave an exclusive interview to China Global Television Network (CGTN), under China Media Group (CMG), in Beijing.
In the interview, Prime Minister Harini said that Sri Lanka–China relations are entering a new and more stable phase. She expressed strong confidence that ties built on mutual respect, commitment, and trust will evolve into a robust and stable model of bilateral cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to both nations.
She praised China’s remarkable efforts in preserving its history, noting that the country not only safeguards its heritage but also inspires younger generations to learn from past struggles and achievements. According to her, China encourages its youth to understand that present-day successes are hard-earned and to carry forward this legacy for future generations. She described China’s development as nothing short of extraordinary. Today, China’s global standing extends far beyond manufacturing, driven increasingly by innovation and progress. On the world stage, China continues to break new ground and provide leadership across multiple sectors.
Reflecting on China’s development journey, she highlighted three key lessons: unwavering leadership commitment, strong self-discipline, and a consistent focus on the well-being of the people. She emphasized that China’s transformative progress has always been centered on improving people’s livelihoods—an approach that has proven successful over time.
Addressing global challenges, the Prime Minister noted that the world is currently marked by uncertainty and instability, yet remains deeply interconnected. She underscored the importance of embracing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision of “a community with a shared future for mankind” and called for collective global efforts. She also stressed the significance of China’s commitment to multilateralism, its support for the United Nations system, and its role in upholding fair and free trade.
On economic cooperation, she highlighted the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in promoting shared development, modernization, and a common future. China’s investments in Sri Lanka’s highways, infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors, she said, reflect strong alignment between the two countries. Projects such as port city developments and seaport investments stand as clear examples of successful collaboration.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Harini expressed optimism that China and Sri Lanka will further deepen practical cooperation in green energy, education modernization, and cultural exchanges—contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s sustainable development and long-term growth.
Source: CMG (Cai Alim, Prema).