Backgrounder: Major events in Sino-Sri Lankan relations

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.