Top Chinese military delegation in SL

14 May 2014 12:01 pm

General Xu Qiliang-the third most powerful military figure in China is currently on a three day visit to the island leading a 25 member military delegation from China.

He is scheduled to discuss and strengthen the bilateral/military relationship between the two countries, government sources said.

General Xu is in the island on an invitation extended by Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

According to top military sources the areas intended to be covered were professional training, joint exercises and further promotion of military assistance to Sri Lanka on request.

The powerful delegation is scheduled to meet with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the heads of the armed forces and police.

General Xu Qiliang is the third powerful figure (Vice Chairman) in the Chinese Central Military Commission which is headed by President Xi Jinping.

He was also the former Commander of the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force which he held from 2007 to 2012. (Supun Dias)