Following a two-day official visit to Bangladesh, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, on the afternoon of April 8 by a special plane for a two-day official visit to the country.

The guards of courtesy set off 19 salutes as soon as Premier Wen stepped out of the door of the plane. The Special Representative of the Sri Lankan President Lakshman Kadirgamar and other government officials were at the airport to meet Premier Wen. A Sri Lankan youngster presented flowers to Premier Wen and the Special Representative of the Sri Lankan President held a grand welcoming ceremony at the airport.

Wen said in a written speech delivered at the airport that China-Sri Lanka relations can be traced back to ancient times. With joint efforts of both sides, bilateral exchanges and cooperation have been continuously deepened and the friendly feelings between the two peoples have been increasingly enhanced since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. China-Sri Lanka friendship is not only compliant with the fundamental interests of both peoples, but also conducive to the peace and development of the Asian region. Wen, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, expressed deep condolence to the government and people of Sri Lanka, especially the people in the tsunami-hit areas. Premier Wen's special plane has brought daily necessities for the people in the disaster areas to which the Special Representative expressed his gratitude when talking with Premier Wen. During his visit, Premier Wen will exchange in-depth views with President Kumaratunga and other Sri Lankan leaders on bilateral relations and other issues of common interest. Wen will also visit the tsunami-hit areas.