Landmark deals concluded as President ends China visit

from Rodney Martinesz in Beijing

President Chandrika Bandaranaike will today end her week-long State visit to China where several landmark agreements were concluded in key sectors with far reaching benefits to the country's economy.

Chief among these are the Norachcholai coal power project with a 300 MW generating capacity in the initial phase and 900 MW when completed in the remaining two stages by 2008.

Other groundbreaking agreements related to the Sino-Lanka cooperation are the Hambantota oil bunker project, Phosphate mining, the Colombo-Katunayake expressway, Colombo-Ratmalana Rail link and the setting up of a performing arts centre.

Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera said most projects will be completed in three years adding that infrastructure development would also generate employment with the attendant construction boom.

China has also agreed to donate US$ 50 million for the construction of flyovers while also extending its cooperation to develop Sri Lanka's tourist industry.

"The agreements will entail short and long-term benefits to the country, both in the economic and social spheres," Dr. Jayasundera said.

President Kumaratunga who arrived in Beijing on August 28 had a hectic schedule, meeting with Chinese leaders, dignitaries and other Ministers of State while attending to numerous receptions and functions hosted in her honour.

President Kumaratunga held official talks with her Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday after which the Lankan leader was hosted to a banquet.

The highlight of President Kumaratunga's visit was the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the tenth anniversary commemoration of the Beijing Women's Conference at the Great Hall, where she was received with tremendous enthusiasm by delegates from over 90 countries.

President Kumaratunga also met with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao who later hosted the Lankan leader to a banquet.

Other significant meetings took place with Finance Minister Jin Revqing, Acting Minister of Commerce An Min and Minister of National Defence Cuo Gangchuan.

The Presidential itinerary also included meetings with Air China President, Head of China Metallurgical Construction Corporation (MCC) Xu Xiang Chun (Kotte Sewerage Project), Vice Chairman China, Shanding International Economic and Technical Corporation Sun Li Tang (Colombo - Katunayake Express way), Chairman, China Centre for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Wan Jifel, and Zhou Licheng, President Changzhou Railcar Propulsion R&D Centre (Katunayake - Colombo Rail express way)

President Kumaratunga also addressed a business & tourism seminar attended by Chinese and Sri Lankan entrepreneurs eager to enter into joint-venture projects in Sri Lanka.

Few hours prior to taking her flight to Colombo today President Kumaratunga will be interviewed by China Central Television at the State Guest House.