President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the need to enhance the political, economic and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Indonesia by reinforcing the Indian Ocean’s identity, during an official meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Beijing today (17).

Both leaders are in China to participate in the Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation. During the meeting, the two leaders engaged in extensive discussions on further strengthening political, cultural and economic ties between the two countries.

Furthermore, they deliberated on the implications of the economic crisis and the palm oil ban on the trade activities connecting the two nations. President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to establish free trade agreements with various Asian countries and to formalize the existing agreement with India. In response, the Indonesian President expressed the timeliness of working towards a free trade agreement between Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

The leaders exchanged in-depth insights on global economic and political trends and how they address these challenges as small states in the Asian region. The event was attended by ministers and officials, with Indonesian Foreign Minister Ms. Retno Marsudi leading the delegation from Indonesia and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka representing Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the President also engaged in bilateral discussions in Beijing this afternoon (17) with Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.

This meeting took place on the side-lines of the ‘One Belt – One Road’ international conference in China.

During their meeting, both leaders emphasized the global imperative of cultivating a harmonious society free from animosity, prejudice and anger arising from racial, religious or ethnic differences. They stressed the paramount importance of addressing the challenge of fostering a unified society based on shared humanity, where divisions driven by race, religion or ethnicity give way to unity and mutual understanding.

Subsequently, President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar engaged in an extensive discourse concerning the economic crises that affected both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with a particular focus on strategies for recovery.

Moreover, the leaders deliberated on the critical developments unfolding in the Gaza Strip. In this regard, a consensus was reached to issue a joint statement, reflecting their common stance on the matter.

This pivotal meeting was further enriched by the presence of distinguished delegates, including Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Shamshad Akhtar and Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Ali Sabry.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is on an official four-day visit to China, led the delegation to Huawei’s research and development centre in Beijing today where an agreement was signed formalizing Huawei’s support for the digitization of Sri Lankan schools.

Mr. Simon Ling, Deputy Chairman of Huawei in China, announced his company’s readiness to support an annual study program aimed at nurturing software and hardware engineers in Sri Lanka. He mentioned that Huawei has already initiated collaborations with several Sri Lankan universities, not only in academic assistance but also in providing technology and infrastructure.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted his visit’s purpose, which is to discuss Sri Lanka’s future.

He emphasized the crucial role of both the Chinese Government and Huawei in supporting Sri Lanka’s digital education system and green energy production. President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the need for Sri Lanka to build a competitive digital and green economy to face the challenges of the future. He noted that the foundational work for this transformation is already underway.

The discussions extended to the importance of empowering Sri Lankan citizens with digital technology, which is closely linked to the nation’s economic growth. The Sri Lankan delegation was also briefed on Huawei’s international services and their latest technological advancements.

Additionally, an agreement was signed during this visit, formalizing Huawei’s support for the digitization of Sri Lankan schools.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Ali Sabry, Minister of Transport and Mass Media Dr Bandula Gunawardena, Senior Presidential Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Mr Sagala Ratnayaka were also present on this occasion.

Also, the Sri Lankan delegation led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with the heads of a number of leading entrepreneurial organizations including the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

(President’s Media Division)

During the official four-day visit to China, President Ranil Wickremesinghe attended a prominent investment, trade and tourism forum with a strong focus on fostering future business opportunities. President Wickremesinghe extended a warm invitation to Chinese entrepreneurs, encouraging them to view Sri Lanka as a strategic hub for emerging green and digital economic ventures, highlighting the nation’s significant advancements in this domain.

This forum, hosted at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing yesterday (16), was graced by the presence of representatives from a multitude of Chinese companies, some of which have already invested in Sri Lanka, while others are exploring investment prospects. Distinguished Sri Lankan business leaders were also present, eager to explore collaborative opportunities.

Addressing the Chinese business community, President Wickremesinghe underscored Sri Lanka’s unique geographic advantage, positioning it as a gateway to Western markets within the broader Asian region. The President expressed the country’s strong desire to engage amicably with global economic powerhouses and reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding Sri Lanka’s economy.

Notable government officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Minister of Transport and Mass Media Bandula Gunawardena, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Governor of the Central Bank Dr.Nandalal Weerasinghe and Chairman of the Board of Investment Dinesh Weerakkodi, were also in attendance, addressing inquiries from the Chinese business community.

(President’s Media Division)