Visiting Governor of Yunnan Province in China, Mr. Wang Yubo called on the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena today (17).

During a luncheon meeting at Temple Trees, they discussed potential collaboration in trade, tourism, agriculture, technology and investments. Governor Wang had said that Yunnan Province, which had a population of 50 million and a GDP of USD 417 billion in 2022, is in a position to help friendly nations like Sri Lanka.

According to a media release issued by the PM’s office, the Yunnan Governor and PM Gunawardena had identified that Agriculture and tourism can be promoted as the pilot projects in Sri Lanka. They also felt that local communities can be directly benefited by the innovative digital economic mechanism, the media release adds.The Prime Minister had requested the Yunnan Governor to consider assisting in economic empowerment by promoting entrepreneurship, microfinance initiatives, and livelihood development programs. He pointed out that empowering individuals to generate income, reduce poverty, and improve their economic standing.

Mr. Wang was accompanied by a top level delegation of Yunnan Provincial Government as well as officials of the Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka. PM Gunawardena was accompanied by State Minister of Foreign Affairs – Tharaka Balasuriya as well the newly appointed Eastern Province governor – Senthil Thondaman.

During his visit, the governor attended a ceremony at Lanka Hospital earlier today where a team of Chinese medical staff had conducted 120 cataract surgeries free of charge.

Organized by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Sri Lanka – China Social and Cultural Cooperation (ASLCSCC), the project was implemented by the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan and the Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC.

In addition, the  Governor also held a field study at Port City Colombo. He also plans to visit Kandy, Polonnaruwa and the Eastern Province, where Rs 25 million worth school kits, equipment and food parcels will be distributed.