Deputy minister of the international department of the CPC Cheng Fengxiang gave the pledge during a meeting in Beijing with Saman Athaudahetti, additional secretary to the prime minister, and other Lankan officials.

On a request by Athaudahetti, China has agreed to provide specialist anti-corruption training for top level Lankan officials.

The Sri Lankan delegation commended Chinese president Xi Jinping’s programme against corruption.

The Chinese deputy minister thanked the UNP and its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe for their longstanding relationship with the CPC and stressed a further strengthening of the ties.

Soon after being elected prime minister at the recent parliamentary polls, Wickremesinghe received a congratulatory message from his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang, which is a demonstration of China’s respect and friendship towards him, said the deputy minister.

The two sides discussed an exchange of ideas, training, study tours and the implementation of plans to expand bilateral understanding.

Sino-Lanka relations in natl. govt.

Here, Athaudahetti stressed that the national government formed in Sri Lanka with the consensus of the two main parties would lay the foundation for a further strengthening of relations with China.

The Sri Lankan delegation noted that privileges, self-administration etc. enjoyed by China’s minorities could be an example for Sri Lanka.

Also participating in the talks from the CPC were Zhang Xuri, Tan Wei and Yuan Ruidong, while the Lankan delegation comprised MP Dr. Thusitha Wijemanna, Erananda Hettiarachchi, Azam Bakir Marker, Binal Bandara, B. Balachandran, Apsara Boteju, Umagiliyage Piyasena, Anura Edirisinghe and Sathira Sarathchandra.