Sri Lanka and China have discussed expanding cooperation in public administration reforms, local government capacity building, disaster management, clean drinking water and artificial intelligence-based early warning systems during a meeting between the new Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Wei Huaxiang, and Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Prof. Chandana Abayarathna.
The meeting was held at the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government premises.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations while exploring future initiatives to modernize Sri Lanka’s public administration sector, enhance the capacity of provincial and local government institutions, improve disaster response mechanisms, expand clean drinking water projects and promote technology transfer.
Ambassador Wei Huaxiang said China would continue to maintain its longstanding friendship with Sri Lanka, emphasizing that Chinese aid and cooperation had never been subject to political conditions. He said China’s policy would remain unchanged in the future.
Minister Abayarathna said the government has placed strong emphasis on reforming the public administration system, improving human resource management, increasing efficiency in the public service, combating corruption and advancing digital governance.
The Minister said China’s experience in strengthening regional and local government institutions, increasing revenue generation and decentralizing administrative functions could provide valuable lessons for Sri Lanka.
Minister Abayarathna also requested increased opportunities for Sri Lankan public officials to receive academic and practical training in China, noting that only a limited number of public servants currently receive overseas training each year.
Responding positively, Ambassador Wei said China would explore establishing a specialized capacity-building programme for Sri Lankan provincial and local government officials.
AI-Based Disaster Warning System Proposed
China has also proposed introducing an AI-powered early warning system developed to respond to weather-related and geographical disasters associated with climate change.
The two sides further discussed establishing a rapid disaster relief mechanism under which, following a disaster in Sri Lanka and a request through the Disaster Management Centre, the Chinese Embassy and Chinese companies operating in Sri Lanka, including Huawei, could provide technical assistance, help restore disrupted telecommunications infrastructure and supply emergency relief materials and financial assistance.
Focus on Clean Drinking Water
The shortage of clean drinking water and the prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu), particularly among rural and agricultural communities, were also discussed.
Minister Abayarathna sought further Chinese technical assistance and equipment for water purification in areas where water sources are available but treatment and distribution infrastructure remains inadequate.
The Minister highlighted the scientific research conducted by the China-Sri Lanka Friendship Kidney Hospital and the Joint Research and Demonstration Center, established with Chinese assistance.
The meeting also touched on educational and cultural links between the two countries. Minister Abayarathna recalled a student exchange programme he initiated during his tenure at the University of Kelaniya, noting that a former student now working at Beijing Foreign Studies University is involved in translating Sri Lanka’s Mahavamsa into Chinese.
Both sides noted the long historical links between Sri Lanka and China, including the visit of Chinese monk Faxian to Sri Lanka and historical relations during the Kotte era.
The discussions also highlighted the two countries’ longstanding friendship dating back to the Rubber-Rice Pact, as well as Chinese assistance during Sri Lanka’s economic difficulties and Chinese-supported projects including the BMICH, Nelum Pokuna and Colombo Port City.
Ambassador Wei also highlighted China’s continued support for Sri Lankan schoolchildren, stating that China has provided nearly RMB 600 million worth of school uniform material to Sri Lanka over the past four years. He said discussions had also been held with the Prime Minister regarding the possibility of providing Sri Lanka’s entire school uniform requirement for several years in advance.
The meeting was attended by Ministry Secretary Alokabandara, Minister’s Private Secretary J. P. Wijayathilake, and a Chinese Embassy delegation including Director Qin Ligong and Second Secretary Jin Enze.
