COLOMBO, 29 April, 2021 (TON): On Wednesday, a bilateral discussion between Sri Lanka and People’s Republic of China (PLA) on the sidelines of official visit of Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe was held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo.

Chinese Ambassador in Colombo, Qi Zhenhong, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and Tri-Forces Commanders were also present at the respective sides of the discussion.

The Ministry of Defense (MOD) said, Sri Lankan delegation led by Defense Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) had a fruitful discussion with the visiting Chinese Delegation led by General Fenghe.

General Gunaratne said China had been a historical ally of Sri Lanka across a multitude of avenues including Buddhism, trade, infrastructure development and global connectivity.

General Fenghe while highlighting the existing military ties between two countries said, “We are looking forward to work together with Sri Lanka to enhance practical cooperation and to promote bilateral relations to a greater extent.”

Afterwards, General Fenghe launched the official website of the Chinese National Defense University Alumni Association of Sri Lanka at the invitation of the Defense Secretary and the Director General of Sri Lanka Customs and the Chairman and founding member of the Alumni Association Maj. Gen. Vijitha Ravipriya (Retd).

Nevertheless, fficial signing of Military Assistance Protocol was also held between two countries on the sidelines of official visit by High Ranking Chinese Defense Delegation.