China’s President Xi Jinping Vows to Boost Belt and Road Initiative with Sri Lanka
In a bold move, China’s President Xi Jinping has promised to enhance cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative with Sri Lanka. This announcement comes hot on the heels of the inauguration of the newly-elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Xi, in a message to Dissanayake following his swearing-in ceremony, emphasized Beijing’s commitment to making significant progress in the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership. The goal is to create mutual benefits for both nations in the long term.
Dissanayake, a politician with Marxist leanings, emerged victorious over outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa in Sri Lanka’s first presidential elections since the country’s financial crisis in April 2022. Securing over 5.74 million votes, Dissanayake captured 55.89% of valid votes in the runoff.
As the ninth executive president of Sri Lanka, Dissanayake has vowed to lead the country into a new era of progress and prosperity.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined in congratulating Dissanayake, expressing a strong desire to enhance cooperation for the benefit of the entire region.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dissanayake, wishing him success and emphasizing the importance of bolstering Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu also extended his congratulations to the new president, expressing a keen interest in strengthening the historical friendship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. — Agencies
