China stands ready to carry forward the traditional friendship with Sri Lanka through the upcoming visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday (Jan. 10).
At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Dissanayake will pay a state visit to China from Jan 14 to 17, the foreign ministry announced earlier on Friday.
“This will be President Dissanayake’s first visit to China since he took office. It’s of great significance to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations. During the visit, President Xi Jinping will hold talks with President Dissanayake, and Premier Li Qiang and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji will meet with him respectively. China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbors. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka in 1957, our relations have stood the test of the changing international landscape and maintained sound and steady development, setting a fine example of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation for countries of different sizes,” Guo said.
“Taking President Dissanayake’s visit to China as an opportunity, we stand ready to work with the Sri Lankan side to carry forward traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust, expand high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and practical cooperation in various fields, seek new progress in our strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincerity, mutual support and ever-lasting friendship, deliver more benefits to the people of the two countries,” Guo said.
The Election Commission has released the first official results from the 2025 Local Government polls, with the National People’s Power (NPP) claiming victory in the Tangalle Urban Council, Hambantota District.
Tangalle Urban Council Results National People’s Power (NPP): 2,260 votes (9 seats) Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB): 1,397 votes (5 seats) Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP): 795 votes (3 seats) United National Party (UNP): 265 votes (1 seat) Sarvajana Balaya (SB): 177 votes (1 seat)
The JVP-led NPP’s strong showing in this southern urban council marks a significant shift in the region traditionally dominated by the SLPP.
Political analysts note this could signal changing voter sentiments amid economic pressures.
Voting concluded at 4:00 p.m. today after a largely peaceful process.
Counting continues for 338 other local bodies, with results expected through the night.
World Bank group President – Ajay Banga will visit Sri Lanka tomorrow (May 07).
It is the first visit by the head of the multilateral lender in 20 years, following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake last year.
“The visit comes at a critical moment, as Sri Lanka continues its path toward economic recovery and seeks to build a more resilient, inclusive, and private sector-led future,” the World Bank says.
Banga will meet President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and senior government and private sector leaders.
“These discussions will center on how Sri Lanka can overcome current challenges and seize new opportunities as it continues to recover economically and socially,” the World Bank added.
The World Bank Group currently maintains a portfolio of projects in Sri Lanka valued at $2.2 billion, encompassing both public and private sector investments. While recent reports have acknowledged Sri Lanka’s progress, the Bank continues to emphasize the need for poverty reduction and reform continuity to ensure sustained recovery.
