COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka and China are set to deepen cooperation in education and digital transformation as the two countries prepare to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held talks with newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Wei Huaxiang at Temple Trees on September 16, with education emerging as a key area of bilateral cooperation.
A major focus of the discussions was China’s continued support for providing school uniforms to Sri Lankan students. The two sides explored replacing the current annual arrangement with a three- to five-year framework, aimed at ensuring school uniforms are delivered on time and predictably before each new school year.
The meeting also reviewed progress on a Chinese-supported digital education initiative, under which 900 smart devices are expected to support 500 smart classrooms across Sri Lanka. The initiative forms part of the country’s broader efforts to modernize education and expand the use of digital technology in schools.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also briefed Ambassador Wei on Sri Lanka’s Task Force on the Digital Transformation of Education, which is developing policy for the country’s digital education sector. Ambassador Wei welcomed the initiative and expressed China’s support, with further cooperation between the task force and the Chinese Embassy expected.
Education opportunities for Sri Lankan students were another key area of discussion, including scholarships offered through the Chinese Government Scholarship Programme and the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship Programme.
The two sides also discussed the need for stronger regional and international cooperation to improve online safety for children, reflecting growing concerns surrounding children’s use of digital platforms.
Beyond education, the meeting covered broader bilateral relations, climate resilience and China’s assistance to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. Prime Minister Amarasuriya also conveyed condolences over recent landslides and floods in Tibetan border areas.
With the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations approaching, education and digital transformation are emerging as important areas for expanding Sri Lanka-China cooperation.
