A delegation of the Women Parliamentarians' Caucus of the Parliament of Sri Lanka successfully concluded an official visit to the People's Republic of China from 25 July to 2 August 2026, undertaken at the invitation of H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Sri Lanka. The visit focused on strengthening Parliamentary cooperation, promoting women's leadership, and enhancing bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and China.
The delegation was led by Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Hon. Minister of Women and Child Affairs, and comprised nine other Hon. Women Members of Parliament including Rohini Kumari Wijeratne, Oshani Umanga, Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney at Law, M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani, Nilusha Lakmali Gamage, Attorney at Law, Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney at Law, Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney at Law, A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe and Geetha Herath, Attorney at Law. The delegation was accompanied by Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament and Secretary to the Women Parliamentarians' Caucus, and Mr. Lahiru Pathiranage, Parliamentary Officer (Protocol Division), Parliament of Sri Lanka.
During the visit, the delegation participated in a comprehensive programme in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, which combined official meetings, academic sessions, institutional visits, and cultural engagements. The programme provided valuable opportunities to study China's development experience, innovation ecosystem, and approaches to governance.
The delegation attended a lecture on the remarkable transformation of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and China's Reform and Opening-Up policy, gaining insights into the country's economic development strategy. Members also visited several internationally renowned enterprises, including Huawei Technologies, Tencent, Mindray, BYD and other innovation centres to observe advancements in artificial intelligence, digital technology, smart healthcare, modern agriculture, renewable energy, and industrial innovation.
The official programme included meetings with leaders of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Guangdong Provincial Government, and Guangzhou Municipal Government, where discussions focused on strengthening Parliamentary cooperation, enhancing people to people relations, promoting women's empowerment, and identifying opportunities for future collaboration between Sri Lanka and China.
A significant highlight of the visit was the exchange with the Shenzhen Women's Federation, where the delegation explored China's initiatives on women's empowerment, childcare services, family welfare, and community development. The discussions enabled both sides to share experiences and best practices on promoting women's participation in leadership and public life.
The delegation also undertook several cultural and heritage visits, including Lianhua Hill Park, Great Tides Surge Along the Pearl River Exhibition Hall, Guangdong Museum and Guangzhou Metro Museum gaining a deeper understanding of China's rich cultural heritage, urban development, and historical evolution.
The official visit further strengthened the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and China while creating new avenues for Parliamentary dialogue, institutional cooperation, and knowledge sharing. The delegation expressed its sincere appreciation to the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka, the Guangdong Provincial authorities, and all host institutions for the warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements made throughout the visit.
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