
Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe expressed admiration for China’s diverse culture, cuisine, and hospitality, while inviting more Chinese tourists to explore Sri Lanka’s rich scenery and heritage.
Ranasinghe, who studied tourism management in China under the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighted the growing interest of Chinese tourists in Sri Lanka before the pandemic disrupted travel.
China became Sri Lanka’s second-largest source of tourists in 2017, with over 260,000 visitors, a trend Sri Lanka hopes to revive through enhanced visa and flight options.
Ranasinghe emphasized the importance of Sri Lanka-China economic and cultural ties, citing major projects like Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port as drivers of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s state visit to China is expected to bolster cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges, further strengthening bilateral relations.
Historical links, including visits by Chinese figures like Fa Xian and Zheng He, highlight the deep cultural connections between Sri Lanka and China, Ranasinghe noted.
Ranasinghe welcomed Chinese tourists to experience Sri Lankan hospitality, emphasizing shared cultural affinities like a mutual love for spicy food.