Under the watchful gaze of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, a significant milestone was reached on Tuesday (March 26) with the signing of nine pivotal agreements between Sri Lanka and China.

The ceremonies commenced with Prime Minister Gunawardena's homage to the fallen heroes at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square. Following a ceremonial guard of honor, bilateral discussions ensued, emphasizing broader collaboration across social, cultural, educational, agricultural, and economic spheres.

In the historic Great Hall in Beijing, both leaders underscored the inauguration of a new era in the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations, highlighted by the signing of nine memoranda of understanding. Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake represented Sri Lanka, while counterparts from nine ministries signed on behalf of China.

The gathering witnessed the presence of a delegation comprising Ministers from the People’s Republic of China, Sri Lankan State Ministers Shehan Semasinghe and Ashoka Priyantha, and MP Yadamini Gunawardena, signifying the significance of the occasion.