01. Being the most gigantic force and of course the giant in Asia, why does the People’s Republic of China consider a small country like Sri Lanka as a friendly country?

A: The Chinese Government advocates democratization in international relations, and holds that all countries, big or small, rich or poor, strong or weak, are all equal members of the international community. It is China ’s commitment to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.
It has been proved that China and Sri Lanka are friends in adversity. We have been supporting each other on issues concerning national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China highly appreciates the One China policy pursued by the successive Governments of Sri Lanka on Taiwan and Tibet issues. The two countries have always been in solidarity at the hard times. As Sri Lanka was hit by Tsunami disaster in 2004, the Chinese Government immediately provided rescue assistance by sending relief goods and a medical team. A number of reconstruction and rehabilitation projects were implemented under the Chinese assistance. The Sri Lankan government gave its return when China was hit by earthquake disaster in May 2008.
The relationship between China and Sri Lanka has stood the test of times. It can be regarded as a model of sound state-to-state relationship based on the five principles of peaceful co-existence. The Chinese Government and people cherish the friendship with the Sri Lankan Government and people. We are determined to work hand in hand with Sri Lanka to further develop the “All-round Cooperative Partnership Featuring Sincere Mutual Support and Ever-lasting Friendship”.

02. Last year Sri Lanka and China completed 50 years of diplomatic relations. How is the progress of these relations to this date?

A: China and Sri Lanka are time-honored friends with amicable contacts in trade, religion and culture between the two peoples dating back to some 2,000 years ago. A new chapter of our friendship was opened when diplomatic relations were formally established in 1957. Last year marked the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations. A series of activities were carried out in Beijing and Colombo to commemorate this event, which was highlighted by the successful state visit to China by H. E. President Rajapaksa.
China-Sri Lanka relations have been growing stridently in a comprehensive and consistent way. Frequent high-level visits have been maintained, greatly enhancing political mutual trust. H. E. President Rajapaksa paid another fruitful visit to China this year, attending the annual conference of Boao Forum for Asia . Broad consensus on many issues was reached during the meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Reciprocal cooperation in trade and economy has been expanded with China becoming Sri Lanka 's fourth largest trading partner with bilateral trade volume totalling US$ 1.4 billion in 2007, up by 23 per cent compared to the previous year. Exchanges and cooperation in culture, religion, education and people-to-people contacts have continuously deepened. It is our strong belief that our cooperative partnership will develop from strength to strength in the days to come.

03． China has extended immense contributions to Sri Lanka for its developmental projects since ancient times. What are such current projects implemented in Sri Lanka under the contributions of China ?

A: China has always been supporting Sri Lanka in its endeavor to developing national economy and uplifting the living standard of its people. It has provided development assistance within its own capacity during the past decades, ranging from grant aid, interest-free and concessional loan to commercial credit. Apart from that, China has spared no efforts to share its experience of economic development with Sri Lanka by extending technical cooperation, providing human resources development programs and etc.
A number of projects have been implemented with the assistance from China , including the BMICH, Superior Court Complex, Central Mail Room and roads, bridges, fisheries harbours, friendship villages and etc. Two mega projects, namely the Puttalam Coal Power Plant and Hambantota Port Development Project, have been started last year. The economy of Sri Lanka will be definitely further boosted with the completion of these projects. This year (people) witnessed the inauguration of the National Performing Arts Theatre. Once completed, it will be another symbol building of China-Sri Lanka friendship. Besides, a number of new projects funded by China are going to start this year, such as renovation and refurbishment of the BMICH, the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway Project.

04. A war of more than 50 years prevails inside Sri Lanka . What is China ’s view of this situation in Sri Lanka ?

A: As a friendly neighbor, China has always been watching developments in Sri Lanka and supporting its government's efforts to promote national unity, reconciliation and economic growth. The Chinese government hopes Sri Lanka could realize national peace and stability soon.

05. With the Olympic festival, there is a tremendous increase of the propaganda against China . How could you respond to this situation?

A：In August this year China will host the Beijing Olympic Games. It is our commitment to the world that we would hold a high-level Olympic Games with distinguishing features. The Chinese Government and people put the Games preparations high on their agenda, tightening security work, tackling traffic problems, training volunteers and educating the public with etiquettes. We are fully confident that 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, under the slogan of “One World, One Dream”, will be a splendid and successful sports event.
2008 Beijing Olympic Games is a grand event not only for the Chinese people, but also people across the world. China hopes to enhance understanding, friendship and cooperation with the world through this sports event. We are grateful that the international community including Sri Lanka has expressed their support to China and wish the Beijing Olympiad a great success. But to our disappointment, some people with prejudice or even enmity towards China attempt to sabotage the Beijing Olympics. I should say that they will go nowhere and are doomed to failure because they run against the spirit and principles of the Olympic movement and against the will of the peoples around the world.

06. A violent crime committed by a tiny number of rioters, involving beating, smashing, looting and burning, broke out in Lhasa, Tibet region of China on March 14, 2008. What are your comments on that?

A: In the riot, more than 300 locations were set on fire including shops, schools, hospitals, banks, state media offices, government offices and so on. It led to the deaths of at least 18 civilians and one policeman, left 382 civilians and 241 police officers injured, businesses looted and residences, shops and vehicles torched. The direct property loss reached USD 35 million.
The riot has aroused the indignation of the entire Chinese people, and was strongly condemned by the people of all ethnic groups in Tibet . In order to maintain social stability and protect people’s life and property, the local government had taken necessary measures in accordance with the law, showing great restraint. In the following three months, peace has gradually returned, with the resumption of schools, businesses and religious activities, as well as the re-opening of leading monasteries.
There was enough evidence to prove that the riots in Lhasa were organized, premeditated and masterminded by the Dalai clique in an attempt to provoke social unrest, undermine the stability in Tibet , disrupt the national harmony, and bring disturbance to the Beijing Olympic Games.
The riot has again exposed the separatist nature of the Dalai clique, as well as the hypocrisy and deception of their claimed "peace" and "nonviolence". Tibet has been an inalienable part of China ’s territory since ancient times. The Dalai question is not an issue of ethnicity, religion, or culture, but a fight of secession versus anti-secession. The Chinese Government unswervingly upholds state sovereignty and territorial integrity. It stands firmly in building a stable Tibet that is progressing, and ensuring the safety of life and property of all ethic groups there. Any attempt to split the motherland is definitely to be opposed by the Chinese people of all ethnicities including the Tibetan compatriots and is doomed to failure.

07. An unexpected huge earthquake hit the northwest part of Sichuan Province of China in May. Could you please brief us on the disaster relief work done by the Chinese Government and the situation in the disaster areas?

A: A strong quake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale jolted southwestern Sichuan Province and neighboring regions on May 12, 2008. An area of 65,000 square kilometers was severely hit, while about 20 million people were affected and more than 70 thousand confirmed dead.

The Chinese Government has made speedy response to the earthquake disaster. President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and other State Leaders flew to the disaster areas for inspection shortly after the disaster. Army, armed police, firemen as well as medical personnel were mobilized to rush to the quake-hit areas. Saving lives was put on the top priority during the first stage of quake relief.
As of June 26, the relief workers had rescued and evacuated more than 1.47 million people in quake-hit areas. More than 300 thousand temporary houses had been installed, while reconstruction on infrastructure went smoothly and efficiently. The government disaster relief fund had reached about USD 7.81 billion. A report on the relief work and reconstruction has been passed by the National People's Congress , China 's top legislature. According to the plan, adjustment of this year's central budget will be made to establish a reconstruction fund for post-quake scheme. Preliminary reconstruction will be completed in three years and another five years to further develop the quake-hit regions.

After the devastating earthquake, many leaders of foreign governments, including Hon. Prime Minister Wickramanayake of Sri Lanka , sent messages of condolence and support to the efforts made by the Chinese Government in disaster relief and rescue. H. E. President Rajapaksa, Hon. Foreign Minister Bogollagama and other Ministers of Sri Lanka came to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo in person and signed the condolence book. More than that, a special flight carrying relief goods, including tents, medical equipments and garments was dispatched to China by the Sri Lankan government. H. E. Mr. K. Amunugama, Sri Lankan Ambassador to China donated another one thousand tents for the earthquake victims. On behalf of the Chinese Government and people, I would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Sri Lankan Government and people.