He said in his congratulatory message, “It is a great pleasure to learn that you are assuming office of the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. On behalf of the Chinese Government, people and in my own name, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.”

“China and Sri Lanka have been maintaining traditional and friendly relations, which have stood the test of a changing global arena and become more vivid and vital. I highly appreciate your continuous support and contribution to China-Sri Lanka friendship and cooperation.”

“I attached great importance to the development of our bilateral relations and wish to work together with you to enhance our mutual political trust, docking our development visions and deepening our practical cooperation within the framework of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’, to start a new chapter of the China–Sri Lanka Strategic Cooperative Partnership and to bring more tangible benefits to our two peoples.”