Peace will strengthen Lankan economy - Chinese official

Suharshi PERERA in Beijing

Prevalence of peace will strengthen the economy of Sri Lanka and China will continue to be a part of the economic reconstruction of Sri Lanka, Deputy Director General of the Asian Affairs of the Commerce Ministry, China Liang Wentao said.

"Ending the war against terrorism may help Sri Lanka to regain its ancient glory and economic prosperity," Wentao said. He was addressing media personnel from South Asia at the Ministry in Beijing, yesterday (June 03).

What Sri Lanka needs at this moment is a peaceful environment to rebuild its economy and this will attract more investments and economic benefits to the country, he added.

Sri Lanka has the best natural resources in the entire South Asian region. Reviving tourism and the export trade will help Sri Lanka rebuild its economy which was affected severely due to the war.

China will provide assistance to the Sri Lankan Government to rebuild and rehabilitate, the Deputy Director General said.

He also remarked that the two countries could work towards economic as well as cooperation in tourism.

"The strategic location and Buddhism will attract more Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka," he said.

Rubber, tobacco and fish products are the major exports to China from Sri Lanka.

"Diversifying of the economy will open new avenues for Sri Lankan products to enter the Chinese market," he said.