On July 22, 2022, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election as President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Xi Jinping pointed out, China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbors to each other. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 65 years ago, the two countries have been advancing the development of bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, setting a good example of friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries of different sizes. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Sri Lanka have stood together and helped each other, which has elevated the traditional friendship.

Xi Jinping stressed that I believe that under the leadership of President Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka will surely overcome temporary difficulties and advance the process of economic and social recovery. I attach great importance to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations and am willing to provide support and assistance within our capacity to President Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lankan people in their efforts. I hope that the two sides will carry forward traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust and continuously push forward the strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and everlasting friendship.