Defence Secretary in talks with Chinese counterpart

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa held talks with his Chinese counterpart Liang Guanglie last Friday. Without making any direct reference to the UNHRC, a report by state-run Xinhuanews agency said that Liang assured Rajapaksa that Beijing will continue to support Colombo's efforts in safeguarding State independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and realising social and economic development.

"The two countries' relations have witnessed smooth development and we have made remarkable achievements since we entered diplomatic relations 55 years ago," Liang was quoted as saying in the report.

The Sri Lankan Defence Secretary said bilateral ties between China and Sri Lanka have kept a healthy and smooth development.

He expressed gratitude for China's support in Sri Lanka ending the conflict and pushing reconstruction and development, the Xinhua report said. Liang expressed satisfaction over Sri Lanka's solid support on China's core interests. He said China hopes to work together with Sri Lanka to consolidate the friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and improve communication and cooperation between the two armies.