国内英语新闻:Sri Lankan president says he respects ties with China

COLOMBO, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said on Saturday that Sri Lanka has a lot of respect for China since that country has been assisting Sri Lanka's development work.

Speaking at the launch of the construction work on a Chinese- funded expressway linking Sri Lanka's southern towns of Matara and Hambantota, Sirisena noted that China is a very close friend of Sri Lanka and both countries enjoy historic ties.

The president said that the new government will continue to work with China and look to further strengthen ties between both countries.

The president, who took office after winning presidential elections held on January this year, said that there needs to be a clear policy on development in the country, adding that in most countries, even if there is a change of government, the policies on development do not change.

"Following the Jan. 8 election it is clear our country is looked at in a different manner when compared to pre-Jan. 8. All the countries who gave us assistance are continuing to assist us without suspicion," he said.