Chinese Defence Minister arrives in Sri Lanka

Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie accompanied by a 25- member high level defence delegation arrived in Sri Lanka Wednesday for a five-day visit. During his visit, the Chinese defence official is scheduled to conduct talks with Sri Lanka's top level defence officials.
The Chinese Defense Minister is expected to visit the Sapugaskanda Defense Staff College, the Panagoda army cantonment, Galle and possibly Hambantota. The visiting Defence Minister is to deliver a special lecture at the Defence Staff College. China is providing US$ 100 million (Rs. 13.2 billion) for army welfare projects initiated by the Ministry of Defence to set up accommodation and infrastructure facilities in army camps in the north and east. Liang's visit follows the Sri Lanka Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya's visit to Beijing in June this year. Chinese Defense Minister who met Sri Lanka Army Commander in Beijing has reiterated China's support to boost military cooperation between the two countries to a higher level.