On February 17, 2022, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the Chinese and Sri Lankan political parties celebrating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact.

Xi Jinping said, 70 years ago, China and Sri Lanka broke through many obstacles and signed the historic Rubber-Rice Pact, which opened the door for friendly exchanges between the two countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 65 years ago, the two countries have always respected each other, united and helped each other, and supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests. China-Sri Lanka relations have set an example of friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation between large and small countries. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, China and Sri Lanka have stood together and helped each other, further elevating the traditional friendship.

Xi Jinping stressed, the CPC has maintained friendly exchanges and promoted practical cooperation with major political parties in Sri Lanka, which has played an important role in the sound and stable development of bilateral relations and benefited the two peoples. The CPC stands ready to make joint efforts with Sri Lankan political parties to take the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries as a new starting point, carry forward the traditional friendship between China and Sri Lanka, strengthen political guidance for bilateral relations, and make greater contributions to promote the steady progress of bilateral relations and regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.