Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has stated that the whole of Asia has undergone a change due to the rise of China between the two countries.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that China has extended its support to Sri Lanka even at critical junctures.
The Prime Minister was addressing a function at the Nelum Pokuna Theater to mark the 65th anniversary of Chinese-Sri Lankan diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of the Rubber-Rice Agreement.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena who was present at the event also stated that the friendship between Sri Lanka and China has further strengthened today.