On August 11, 2003, Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with visiting Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Recalling the long history of friendly communication between the two countries, Wen said that some 2,000 years ago, sea links and Buddhism linked the two peoples together. Deep friendship and affection have been cultivated between the two peoples as they supported and sympathized with each other during their struggles for national independence and liberation. Since China and Sri Lanka established diplomatic ties 46 years ago, mutual political trust has deepened, the exchanges and cooperation in all areas expanded, and mutual coordination in international affairs manifestly enhanced. China-Sri Lanka relations withstand the test of time and changes, and the two countries have become reliable and cooperative partners.

Wen stressed that the good-neighborly foreign policies of remaining on good terms and partners with neighbors followed by the Chinese government would not waver, neither would the policy of attaching great importance to the China-Sri Lanka relations. He said that China believes the Sino-Sri Lankan friendship has a sound foundation and great potential, and concerted efforts will push forward the bilateral ties even further.

In their talks, Wen raised three proposals. First, the two sides consolidate and develop the traditional bilateral friendship, maintain high-level visits, strengthen contacts between the two parliaments, governments, political parties and non-governmental sectors, so as to carry on bilateral friendship of generations long. Second, strengthen trade links. China-Sri Lanka economic and trade cooperation calls for new ideas and new channels. The two governments should encourage their own enterprises to carry out businesses in the other country, while the governments should provide conveniences for enterprises to seek investment, project contracting and resource development. The two countries can also promote cooperation in agriculture and tourism. Third, enhance bilateral coordination and cooperation in international affairs. China and Sri Lanka should continue to develop the Bandung Spirit initiated by both countries to join hands in meeting the challenges brought about by the volatile international situation and safeguarding the rights and interests of developing countries, in order to make new contributions to the promotion of the establishment of a just and rational international political and economic new order.  

Wickremesinghe noted that bilateral relations have made vigorous progress and Sri Lanka thanked China for the support and aids extended to Sri Lanka in different periods of time. He said that China has always offered support to Sri Lanka in its campaign of safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its economic reconstruction. He said that China was a reliable friend of China, and Sri Lanka hoped to strengthen and develop friendly cooperative relations on various levels and in various fields.

Wickremesinghe agreed with Wen’s proposals on developing bilateral relations. He noted that the peace process in Sri Lanka has made important progress, which created conditions and business opportunities for economic cooperation between enterprises of both countries. He said that Sri Lanka hopes to study on signing of new bilateral trade and economic agreements and strengthen cooperation in mutual investments, human resources tapping, tourism and civil aviation. At the same time, Sri Lanka also hopes to promote bilateral exchanges in cultural and religious fields.

Both sides also exchanged opinions on international situation and issues of common concern.

After the talks, Wen and Wickremesinghe attended the signing ceremony, in which officials with the two governments signed three inter-governmental agreements for economic and technological cooperation, avoiding dual taxation and tax evasion and providing preferential loans to Sri Lanka. The two foreign ministries signed an agreement on bilateral consultation. Also signed was a document on creating sister cities between Shanghai, China's commercial and financial hub, and Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka.