China-Sri Lanka friendship based on ancient roots

Our forefathers in Sri Lanka have left behind rich traditions and a wonderful history. They were conscious enough to conduct the affairs of the state with authority and with purpose. In this exercise, they maintained successful diplomatic relations with the neighboring countries. And China was one of the leading countries of the ancient world, close enough to the island country to establish diplomatic relations.

Sri Lanka and China have maintained good friendly relations for centuries due to two reasons. One is trade and the other is religious and cultural interactions and exchanges. China did not occupy or annex any country as some Europeans did, although by the 15th century, it had become a big naval power with navigator Zheng He, leading a fleet of Chinese vessels, crisscrossing the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea seven times from 1405 to 1433 for trade purposes.

He visited Sri Lanka six times, and these visits helped to enhance Sri Lanka-China relations.

Religious and cultural interactions between our two countries have always remained strong. In the 5th century, Chinese Buddhist monk Faxian spent two years in Sri Lanka, studying Buddhist texts. Religious exchanges have continued between the two countries since then.

In the modern era, Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China. The rubber-rice pact signed between the two sides in 1952 elevated the China-Sri Lanka friendship to a higher level. When former Sri Lankan prime minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike initiated diplomatic ties in 1956, relations between the two countries deepened, leading to cooperation in several fields. The two sides eventually established diplomatic ties on Feb 7, 1957.

At the international and regional level, China and Sri Lanka have held close consultations on many issues, including major issues plaguing the world.

Sri Lanka is firmly committed to adhering to the one-China policy. Sri Lanka supported China's demand to resume its rightful place in the United Nations. And after China restored its legal seat in the UN, then premier Zhou Enlai thanked Sri Lanka for the role it had played in the process.

On the other hand, China is one of the main countries that provide aid for Sri Lanka in numerous ways. The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall and the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition Centre, both in Colombo, were built by China and thus bear testimony to the excellent relationship between the two countries.

Also, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has helped many countries across the world to boost their economies. In Sri Lanka, the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port were built with the support of this program.

As for Sri Lanka's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, China has been providing it with all sorts of support since March 2020. Ever since the pandemic broke out on the island, the Chinese government, as well as enterprises and individuals, have been doing whatever they can to boost Sri Lanka's fight against the pandemic.

In short, the friendship between China and Sri Lanka shows people from different countries can and should work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

The author is the president of Sri Lanka China Society.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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