During the meeting the two sides exchanged in-depth views on promoting tourism exchanges and personnel exchanges between the two countries, the Embassy said in a statement. Minister Amaratunga said that the friendly relations between Sri Lanka and China have a long history and recalled that China has long supported the economic and social development of the country and has built most of the landmark buildings in Colombo.
Tourism is a pillar industry of the economy and was seriously affected by the April 21 bombing, the Minister noted. Sri Lanka thanked China for its help and support after the incident. Minister Amaratunga expressed hope that China would promote Chinese tourists to resume travel to Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government will strive to create a safe and comfortable tourist environment for them, he assured.
Ambassador Cheng Xueyuan said that the traditional friendship between China and Sri Lanka is profound and the exchanges between the two countries are very frequent. Expressing sincere condolences on the April 21 bombings in Sri Lanka, the Ambassador said China is willing to provide assistance within the capacity of Sri Lanka to safeguard national security and promote economic development.
The Chinese side attaches importance to the relevant concerns of the Sri Lankan side and hopes that the Sri Lankan side will understand China's practical security concerns, he added. "We will proceed according to the security situation of Sri Lanka, and promptly promote Chinese tourists' visits and promote tourism exchanges as well as personnel exchanges between the two countries," the Ambassador said. Minister Amaratunga expressed full understanding and heartfelt thanks for the Chinese support, the Embassy said.