Call with MR Chinese PM assures support to Sri Lanka

• We want to do our utmost to provide help
• China assures PM they will work with the SL Govt. to address some of the urgent financial issues faced by SL

During a phone conversation with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, China’s Premier Li Keqiang assured China’s support to Sri Lanka to facilitate greater stability in economic and social development, a statement from the Prime Minister’s office said.  

“China feels for Sri Lanka for the difficulties and challenges you face, and we want to do our utmost to provide help to improve the people’s livelihoods in your country,” Premier Li said to Prime Minister Rajapaksa.  

The Chinese Premier also assured Prime Minister Rajapaksa that China will work with the Sri Lankan government to address some of the urgent financial issues that Sri Lanka is currently facing. Among other areas discussed during the phone conversation were the possibilities of fast-tracking negotiations on the free trade agreement, reducing Sri Lanka’s trade deficit with China and attracting more Chinese tourists when the situation permits.

• Possibilities of fast-tracking negotiations on the FTA,  reducing SL’s trade deficit with China and attracting more  Chinese tourists were also discussed