Sri Lankan delegation led by Hon. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana participates in the 8th China-South Asia Exposition

A delegation led by Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka participated in the 8^th China-South Asia Exposition held in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China from July 21 to 25, 2024. The delegation included Members of Parliament Hon. Piyankara Jayatane, Hon. M.S. Thowfeek, and Secretary-General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Hon. Speaker Abeywardana expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Commerce of China and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province for their exceptional hospitality and longstanding friendship. He highlighted the significance of the China-South Asia Exposition as a premier trade fair, instrumental in fostering substantial economic and trade exchanges since its inception in 2013. This exposition has notably strengthened cooperation between China and South Asian countries, bringing considerable benefits to the people of Sri Lanka.

During his visit, Hon. Speaker also addressed the opening ceremony of the 5^th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum on July 24, 2024. He underscored the relevance of the forum’s theme, “Build Consensus for Regional Development,” emphasizing the necessity of collective solutions to global development challenges. He called for addressing these issues through mutual cooperation.

The delegation engaged in high-level meetings with H.E. Wang Ning, Secretary of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee & Chairman of the Standing Committee of Yunnan People’s Congress, and H.E. Ding Zhongli, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14^th National People’s Congress. Hon. Speaker Abeywardana congratulated the Peoples Republic of China on its 75^th anniversary and the 70^th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. He highlighted the 67 years of excellent diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China, spanning trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and infrastructure development, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to the ‘One China Policy.’

Furthermore, discussions focused on enhancing cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in advancing key projects like the Colombo Port City and Hambanthota Port.

Hon. Speaker Abeywardana’s itinerary also includes an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) and field visits to a Solar Power Station, Green Cultural High-Tech Industry Demonstration, and a vocational College of Transportation in Yunnan Province.