🤝 Sri Lanka & China EXIM Bank Fast-Track Infrastructure & Development Talks

• Bilateral Infrastructure: A high-level delegation from the Export-Import Bank of China (China EXIM Bank), led by Vice President Ms. Yang Dongning, met with Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando. • Central Expressway Progress: Discussions focused on expediting the amended Financing Agreement for the Central Expressway Project (CEP-1) - Section I (Kadawatha-Meerigama). The Sri Lankan government intends to finalize internal procedures and sign the amended agreement before the end of August 2026. • Economic Growth Strategy: Sri Lankan officials outlined a vision for sustainable growth by developing priority sectors. Key focus areas include tourism, value-added manufacturing tied to global value chains, logistics, energy, and information technology (IT) to drive innovation and export diversification. • Human Capital Development: The government highlighted plans to upgrade technical and vocational education to boost youth skills. In response, the Chinese delegation expressed willingness to support capacity-building initiatives and knowledge exchange between Chinese and Sri Lankan higher education institutions.