Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Visit to China

• Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has announced that the government will seek support from both Delhi and Beijing.

• The government’s priority is rebuilding the economy and increasing tourism.

• The first visit to India was made by President Dissanayake, who pledged to ensure Sri Lankan territory is not used in any manner detrimental to India’s security and regional stability.

• China Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong welcomed the visit, stating it would enhance China-Lanka traditional friendship and promote bilateral economic cooperation.

• Sri Lanka’s first priority is to shore up its economic situation, restructure its debt package with the IMF and World Bank, and push for new tourism inflows.

• The government plans to issue a gazette notification making visas free of charge for nationals of 39 countries, including India, and calls for India to reciprocate the measure.

• There is no clear indication on whether Sri Lanka will continue to allow foreign research vessels, particularly Chinese ships, to berth at Sri Lankan ports after a year’s moratorium ends on December 31.

• The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna government will consider the situation of Sri Lankan refugees living in India.