China and Sri Lanka inked five agreements during visit of Maithripala Sirisena to China

China and Sri Lanka signed five agreements on 26 March 2015 to deepen development partnership between the two countries.

The agreements were signed in Beijing during the maiden visit of Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena to China after assuming the office in January 2015.

Outcomes of the Sri Lankan president’s visit to China

• Both the countries reiterated the shared adherence of the two countries to the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence or Pancha Sheela.

• The two nations signed five agreements related to cooperation for special aid in public health, development of water treatment methods and technologies in kidney disease affected areas, research and development of the coconut industry and refurbishment of the Superior Courts Complex in Sri Lanka.

• During the talks between the Sri Lankan president and his chinese counter part  Xi Jinping it was also agreed to kick start third round of negotiations to conclude the proposed China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

• Sri Lanka accepted the China’s invitation to become a founding-member of the Chinese proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

• China agreed to provide for 2000 training opportunities for young scientists from Sri Lanka in the next five years.

• China agreed to set up Chinese language training centres in Sri Lanka to deepen cultural partnership between both the countries.

Comment

The relations between Sri Lanka and China are of utmost importance for India in terms of national security. The recent Chinese initiatives like Maritime Silk Road and involvement of Chinese firms in infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka are seen as a part of China’s strategy to encircle India by deepening partnership with India’s neighbours.