Sri Lanka and China are set to finalize an agreement on the Hambantota Sinopec Oil Refinery Project in the first quarter of 2026, officials confirmed following a meeting between Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The talks, held during Wang’s short visit to Sri Lanka on January 12, also focused on advancing the strategic partnership between the two countries and promoting long-term economic and development cooperation.
A statement from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism highlighted that both nations reaffirmed their decades-long friendship and pledged to jointly celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. Key areas of discussion included trade, investment, tourism, and post-Cyclone Ditva reconstruction efforts, with China offering support for rebuilding roads, bridges, and railways damaged by the natural disaster.
Minister Wang, who concluded a tour of several African countries before arriving in Sri Lanka, expressed admiration for the island’s natural beauty during a short observation tour with Minister Herath, saying that the visit was meant to signal that Sri Lanka remains a safe and attractive destination for travelers. He also expressed confidence in the country’s rapid recovery under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and reiterated Beijing’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s infrastructure and economic development.
The discussions mark a continuation of China’s long-standing engagement in Sri Lanka, particularly in infrastructure and energy projects, and underscore the growing emphasis on strategic partnerships in the region. Both ministers emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation and strengthening the foundations of trade and investment to support Sri Lanka’s economic growth and resilience.
Following the meeting, Minister Wang departed from Katunayake International Airport for Beijing, concluding his brief but symbolically significant visit.
