Visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said on Thursday, that China has always been a friend to Sri Lanka and that he was seeking closer bilateral ties during his five-day official visit.
"China has remained a friend of Sri Lanka in times of difficulty. A friend in need is a friend indeed," said Bogollagama in an exclusive interview with Xinhua. This is Bogollagama’s first visit to China as Sri Lankas Foreign Minister since he took office in January 2007. Bogollagama, who is visiting China from July 1 to 5, at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, is scheduled to meet with Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang and also hold talks with Yang. "The relationship (between Sri Lanka and China) has stood test of time. We value the relationship immensely," said Bogollagama, stressing that the Sri Lankan government always maintains a one-China policy. "China is a major player in the world and a major player in the regional context too. We will work very closely with China," Bogollagama said.
After declaring victory over the rebel group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May, the Sri Lankan government is still facing challenges such as national reconciliation, resettling displaced civilians, post-war reconstruction and economic development. However, Bogollagama sees the process of addressing the problems as "an opportunity for us to transform." "What was threatening Sri Lanka’s democracy and development was terrorism, we now have defeated and eliminated the threat of terrorism in the country," said Bogollagama.
The Lankan FM said the country would focus on infrastructure development and security during its reconstruction phase.
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