Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has congratulated the Communist Party of China on its 100th anniversary, saying that "this year which marks the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), is a very important year for all of us in Asia."

Rajapaksa made the remarks during a virtual conference hosted by the Communist Party of Sri Lanka to mark the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China on Tuesday.

"We appreciate the commitments made by the Chinese government for our independence during and after the war, forever," he added.

Quoting a Sinhala classic to describe Sri Lanka-China friendship, the prime minister said, "The friend will always be there, both in sorrow and pleasure. Like the murals on a wall, they never look away."

Leaders of major Sri Lankan political parties and cabinet ministers have also attended the virtual conference.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service

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