Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on Friday to further strengthen friendship between the two countries.

Following are major events in the development of bilateral ties.

-- In 1952, Sri Lanka and China sign a trade agreement on rubber and rice.

-- On Feb. 7, 1957, China and Sri Lanka establish diplomatic relations. Since then, the two countries have maintained friendly relations.

-- In 1957, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai visits Sri Lanka.

-- In 1961, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mme Bandaranaike visits China.

-- In 1964, Premier Zhou pays the second visit to Sri Lanka.

-- In 1972, Prime Minister Bandaranaike visits China.

-- In 1984, Sri Lanka's President J. R. Jayewardene visits China.

-- In 1990, Chinese Premier Li Peng visits Sri Lanka.

-- In 2001, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji visits Sri Lanka.

-- In 2001, China's investment in Sri Lanka totals 13 million US dollars.