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by Janadasa Peiris and Rodney Martinesz from Beijing

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga will arrive in Beijing today for a week long State visit during which several important agreements with Chinese investors accruing far reaching benefits to Sri Lanka will be signed.

Chief among the important discussions will be on the commissioning of the much awaited power project in Norochcholai to generate 320 mega watts of power which is expected to ease the country's energy problem. The China, National Machinery and Equipment Import & Export Corporation is the chief investor. Other agreements include Chinese assistance for the Hambantota oil tanks project and phosphate mining, the Colombo-Katunayake Express way and Kotte sewerage projects.

The highlight of the President's visit will be her meeting with Chinese President Hu-Jintao at the Great Hall of the people where the two leaders will hold discussions on important bi-lateral issues.

President Kumaratunga at this meeting will reiterate Sri Lanka's commitment to strengthening existing bonds of friendship between the two nations and other matters of mutual concern including cementing trade and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and China. The President will also attend the opening ceremony of the 10th Anniversary Commemoration meeting of the Beijing Women's Conference at the main Banquet Hall, where she will deliver the keynote address. The ceremony will be declared open by Chinese President Hu-Jintao.

According to Sri Lanka's Ambassador to China Nihal Rodrigo, this is a special honour accorded to President Kumaratunga perhaps taking into account that former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the President's mother was the world's first woman Prime Minister. The Presidential itinerary will also include meetings with Chinese Minister of National Defence Cao Gangchuan and also Jin Renquing, Finance Minister.

The President is accompanied on her visit by Foreign Minister Anura Bandaranaike, Cultural and National Heritage Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Treasury Secretary Dr. P. B. Jayasundera and Chairman Sri Lanka Tourist Board Udaya Nanayakkara.

A special business delegation from Sri Lanka is also due in Beijing to participate in an Investment, Tourism and Trade Promotion Seminar.

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