China Reaffirms Strong Belt and Road Support for Sri Lanka
- CNL Reporter
- August 22, 2025
- News, Political
- China
- 0 Comments
China has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with Sri Lanka under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), pledging continued support for infrastructure, trade, and cultural development.
Speaking at an event at the BMICH on Wednesday (20) marking the 80th Anniversary of the “Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War,” Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said the partnership was “a solid foundation for peace” and would “paint an even brighter picture for Sri Lanka’s future.”
Sri Lanka has been a central South Asian partner in China’s BRI, hosting major projects such as the Hambantota Port, Colombo Port City, Mattala Airport, and expressway extensions. This year, Beijing pledged fresh assistance for renewable energy, agriculture, digital infrastructure, and water management, alongside continued debt restructuring support.
Ambassador Qi noted that the two countries were bound by a time-honoured friendship through the ancient Silk Road, now revitalized through modern cooperation. Sri Lankan officials see China’s aid and investments as critical for post-crisis recovery, with analysts highlighting that BRI-linked projects will significantly shape the island’s economic future.
