On March 22, 2011, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun met with outgoing Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Karunatilaka Amunugama. Zhang spoke highly of Amunugama’s contributions to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations, saying that bilateral ties have been developing rapidly in recent years with frequent high-level exchanges and fruitful cooperation in all areas. China cherishes the traditional friendship with Sri Lanka and is ready to work with the country to consolidate the friendship, strengthen cooperation and push forward the ties.

Amunugama thanked for the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China to his work and expressed satisfaction with the achievements bilateral ties have made since he took office. Amunugama said the Sri Lankan government and leaders have always given top priority to developing ties with China. He pledged to continue to play a positive role in developing bilateral relations after returning home.