He was speaking after bilateral talks with his counterpart Wang Yi, during a visit to Beijing on Friday.

His visit comes as doubts remain over whether the new government will allow China's proposed Colombo Port City development project, agreed to by the former Sri Lankan government, to go ahead as planned.

Stating that the issue was not explicitly discussed, Mr Samaraweera said that Sri Lanka would not make any decision on Chinese projects without consultation with China, reported Reuters.

"Anything relating to Chinese investment will be shared and discussed with the government of China before we take any final decision," he told reporters following a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on Friday.

"We are trying to ensure that there is a level playing field for all investors and a conducive environment for investment based on the restoration of the rule of law, democracy, good governance and transparency," Mr Samaraweera added.

"All proposals in future will be considered totally on merit."

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China remained a good partner of Sri Lanka.

“China is willing to continue being a trustworthy and reliable development partner … and will also keep doing its best to provide assistance for Sri Lanka’s social and economic development,” Wang said.

Samaraweera’s visit comes as Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena himself is to visit China next month.