Tue Jan 14 22:05:00 UTC 2025: **Sri Lankan President Seeks Closer Ties with China During Beijing Visit**

**Beijing, January 15, 2025** – Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a four-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties with China. His visit follows a recent trip to India, marking a significant diplomatic balancing act for the new leader.

President Dissanayake will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, with several agreements expected to be signed. The discussions are anticipated to cover a wide range of issues, including:

* **Debt restructuring:** China is Sri Lanka’s largest creditor, and debt relief will be a key topic.
* **Infrastructure projects:** The completion of the stalled central expressway and further development of the Hambantota industrial zone are expected to be discussed. Chinese officials have expressed strong interest in expanding business in Hambantota.
* **Technological and agricultural development:** President Dissanayake’s visit includes field visits focused on these sectors.
* **Digitization of state media:** Sri Lanka is seeking Chinese assistance to digitize its two state-run television channels.
* **Access for Chinese research vessels:** This sensitive issue, viewed with concern by India, will likely feature in the discussions. The expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) investments is also expected to be on the agenda.

President Dissanayake’s visit is accompanied by a high-level delegation including key ministers. The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry anticipates the visit will significantly bolster the long-standing relationship between the two countries. While President Dissanayake previously held critical views of India, his recent visit to Delhi, where he assured India of Colombo’s commitment to not jeopardizing Indian interests, highlights his approach to navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. His visit to China underscores Sri Lanka’s continued need for economic support and its pursuit of a multi-faceted foreign policy approach.

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