Addressing the ceremony, the minister said that at a time China is celebrating its 68th National Day, President Maithripala Sirisena and the people of Sri Lanka extend the best wishes to China and its people.

He said “Our friendship with China goes back for many centuries and celebrate 60 years of Diplomatic Relations with China. The relationship is built on historic, economic and cultural ties between the two countries. In the present our friendship has extended to political, trade, investment, economic, technical, security and tourism sectors.”

The minister said, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Sri Lanka in 2014, President Maithripala Sirisenas' visit to China in 2016 as well as Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to China this year has strengthened the bonds between the two countries.
 

Sri Lanka is exploring the possibility of signing a Free Trade Agreement with China in the near future said the minister. At a time Sri Lanka has embarked on a journey of development China is a trusted and important partner and Sri Lanka appreciates the support and dedication extended by China, the minister added.