On the afternoon of July 29, 2002, Premier Zhu Rongji met with Karu Jayasuriya, special envoy of the prime minister of Sri Lanka.

Zhu said that China-Sri Lanka friendship runs a long course from a remote source and their relations hasve developed smoothly on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence since the two established diplomatic ties, and China is satisfied with cooperation in various fields between the two countries that is enhancing increasingly.

Zhu recalled his visit to Sri Lanka last May, and said that the Chinese government and people would remember the valuable support of the government and people of Sri Lanka when China was in the greatest difficulties. Zhu said that as a friend of Sri Lanka, China sincerely hopes Sri Lanka can realize domestic peace, harmony among ethnic groups and economic prosperity. He also said that China is willing to continue to offer assistance to Sri Lanka within its capacity.

Jayasuriya said that Sri Lanka-China friendly relations dated back more than 2,000 years. He said that the government and people of Sri Lanka are very grateful for China's long-term support. He briefed Zhu on the domestic situation of Sri Lanka. He said that the new administration of Sri Lanka is committed to its domestic peace process and hopes to restore peace, revitalize the economy and turn over a new leaf in the history of Sri Lanka with its efforts.