On July 2, 2026, a prominent delegation headed by Ms. Yang Dongning, the Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of China, visited Sri Lanka. The delegation engaged in discussions with Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, along with officials from the treasury.
The meeting was held in a friendly and productive manner, reinforcing the long-standing friendship and collaborative development efforts between Sri Lanka and China. The primary focus of the discussions was on enhancing bilateral relations with the China EXIM Bank and advancing key development projects aimed at boosting Sri Lanka’s economic progress.
A significant topic addressed was the status of the revised Financing Agreement for the Central Expressway Project (CEP-1) – Section I (Kadawatha-Meerigama), which is funded by the China Export-Import Bank. Both parties assessed the current state of the amendment process and reiterated their commitment to accelerating the remaining steps. The Sri Lankan government expressed its desire to finalize the necessary procedures with the goal of signing the amended Financing Agreement prior to the end of August 2026, contingent upon the completion of internal protocols by both sides.
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During the talks, Dr. Fernando presented the government’s vision for fostering sustainable economic growth through the development of prioritized sectors such as tourism, value-added manufacturing linked to global supply chains, logistics, energy, and information technology. He emphasized the government’s dedication to promoting technology-driven industries, especially in the IT sector, while also encouraging innovation and diversifying export markets to enhance the nation’s economic competitiveness.
The Deputy Minister further discussed the government’s ongoing initiatives to bolster the education sector, particularly focusing on improving the professional skills and knowledge of youth through technical and vocational education, thereby aiding in human capital development. In response, the Chinese delegation showed interest in strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions in both countries through capacity-building programs, knowledge sharing, and academic partnerships. The discussions also expanded to encompass a wider range of economic and developmental cooperation, with both parties expressing a mutual commitment to further solidifying their enduring partnership.
The meeting concluded on an optimistic note, with both sides reaffirming their dedication to deepening the strategic development alliance between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of China. There was a shared confidence that ongoing cooperation would facilitate sustainable economic development in Sri Lanka and further enhance the lasting friendship between the two nations.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
