"We consider that the development of the Chinese people as our own development. Similarly, we look forward to the Chinese people considering the development of Sri Lanka as the development of China, due to the friendship between our countries," said Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua made on Friday prior to his state visit to China, Rajapaksa said the relationship between China and Sri Lanka is built on a solid foundation.

"Our relationship is very old. In the ancient times, the famous Chinese monk Fa Hsien came to Sri Lanka. We have a strong relationship from that time," said Rajapaksa.

Visiting to China as the two countries completed 50 years of diplomatic relations, the president said he hoped that his forthcoming visit will further strengthen economic and social ties between the two countries.

He said China had contributed a lot to the development of Sri Lanka by building the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), the Supreme Court Complex, among others, and assisting in many infrastructure development projects.

Rajapaksa said China and Sri Lanka had begun the work of building the Puttalam Coal Power Plant to satisfy the island's power needs. There were many other projects the Chinese could assist in.

"We want to take this further by taking Chinese investors to build the new port in (the southern district of) Hambantota," said the president. Rajapaksa said he will meet entrepreneurs and businessmen in China and invite them to come to Sri Lanka and establish industries.

"It is my belief those investors will come to our country to help us overcome the problem of unemployment and achieve economic development," he said.

Rajapaksa said the government is also looking forward to a twinning- arrangement between some districts in Sri Lanka and China.

During his state visit, the president will present a baby elephant named Migara to the people and especially the children of China.

"I hope there will be a lot of improvement on our economic and social relations as a result of my visit," said Rajapaksa.

He stressed that Sri Lanka has always been following the One China Policy. "There can be no change and there will be no change in this. We will always remain firm in our acceptance and support of the One China Policy," said Rajapaksa.

He said he appreciated the support given by China so far in solving the island country's separatist issue and looked forward to such assistance from China continuing in the future.

Rajapaksa said China is developing very rapidly despite a very large population, "I believe we have a lot of lessons to learn from that development."

"I visit China just at the end of the (Spring) Festival season. As it is said in our language it is like visiting our relatives," said the president.

The president said he was satisfied with the relationship between the two countries in the last 50 years.

"It is my expectation that we can continue this good relationship for the next 50 years, and we are working to achieve this" Rajapaksa stressed.

Source: Xinhua