Peking University delegates conduct in-depth research on bilateral cooperation in Colombo

Prof. Wang with BOI Acting Chairman Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena

A delegation led by Prof. Wang Weijia, Director of the Research Centre for Global Governance and International Communication at the Institute of Area Studies and Dean of the Institute of International Communication at Peking University, China, conducted a series of high-level research interviews in Colombo recently.

During their visit, the delegation met with several government and state sector representatives, members of legal fraternity, members of the armed forces and experts from leading international affairs think tanks, engaging in wide-ranging discussions on Sri Lanka-China cooperation.

At a meeting with Presidential Special Envoy on Foreign Investments Hanif Yusoof, the delegation engaged in in-depth discussions on Sri Lanka’s international trade and investment landscape. Yusoof noted that international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) are critical to Sri Lanka’s future economic growth, with logistics, energy and tourism identified as priority sectors for attracting foreign capital. He further highlighted the longstanding involvement of Chinese enterprises in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, energy, road and telecommunications sectors, noting their significant contribution to the country’s economic development. Looking ahead, he stressed that Sri Lanka should leverage its strategic geographic position to build regional supply chain networks and deepen cooperation with Chinese enterprises in export-oriented manufacturing.

Speaking with Treasury and Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, the delegation explored various dimensions of the Sri Lanka-China relationship. Dr. Suriyapperuma emphasised that the two countries are bound by longstanding historical, cultural and sentimental ties that extend well “beyond commercial and transactions”.  In this context, he highlighted Port City Colombo as a symbol of the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and China and described the project as an important platform with the potential to contribute to Sri Lanka’s long-term economic growth and international connectivity.

Interview with Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma

During the interview with Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) Acting Chairman Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, discussions focused on Sri Lanka’s current investment landscape and potential new models for Sri Lanka-China cooperation.

Dr. Jayawardena noted that FDI projects such as Port City Colombo generate both direct and indirect economic benefits, including foreign capital inflows, employment opportunities for local citizens and technology transfer. Beyond infrastructure development, he noted that high-tech manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and textiles should serve as key areas for deeper Sri Lanka-China cooperation.

Looking ahead, he hopes to leverage academic and think-tank institutions such as Peking University to create more platforms for mutual exchange and collaboration. In particular, he highlighted the value of learning from China’s experience in special economic zone governance, manufacturing development and workforce training, with a view to exploring new avenues for deeper bilateral cooperation.

Throughout the visit, Prof. Wang introduced Peking University’s academic strengths in area studies and international communication to the officials and experts engaged during the delegation’s meetings. He also expressed the university’s commitment to conducting further research aligned with Sri Lanka’s development priorities, while fostering scholarly and cultural exchanges that strengthen mutual understanding and serve as a bridge between the two countries.

Interview with Presidential Special Envoy on Foreign Investments Hanif Yusoof