On this day 68 years ago, on February 7, 1957 (January 8, 1957 in the lunar calendar), our country established diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka. Lion Rock Sri Lanka's flag Sri Lanka, the full name of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is a tropical island country, shaped like a tear on the Indian Peninsula, inlaid in the vast Indian Ocean. In ancient China, it was once called the Lion Country, the Shizi Country, and the Sinhala. "Sri Lanka" means "Promised Land" or "Bright and Rich Land" in Sinhala language. It is known as "Gem Kingdom" and "Pearl of the Indian Ocean". It was considered by Marco Polo to be the most beautiful island because of its beautiful coastline, mysterious ancient cities, rich natural heritage, and unique and fascinating history and culture. Sri Lanka's economy is dominated by agriculture, and the country's most important export product is Ceylon black tea. The country is also one of the three major tea-producing countries in the world, so the domestic economy is deeply affected by the production of tea. Sri Lanka is an island country in the Indian Ocean at the southern tip of the South Asian subcontinent. It covers an area of 65,600 square kilometers. The population is 18.10 million people. The Sinhalese ethnic group accounts for 74%. The official language is Sinhalese. Most of the residents believe in Buddhism. Colombo, the capital. Sri Lanka is an agricultural country dominated by a plantation economy. Industry is dominated by agricultural processing and mining. The export income of the three major crops of tea, rubber and coconut accounts for an important position in foreign trade revenue. It also exports graphite, textiles and clothing. Imports are mainly grain, sugar, machinery and oil. Sri Lanka has been under colonial rule by Portugal, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom since 1505. Independence on February 4, 1948, the country name is Ceylon. It became its current name on May 22, 1972. Adhere to a non-aligned foreign policy. Established diplomatic relations with our country on February 7, 1957. Tea Garden, People Working in the Fields Ancient Statues Traditional Murals Polonnaruwa Ruins Blue Sea and Blue Sky Traditional Crafts Traditional Clothing Buddha Statue Innocence Newlywed President Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed leader of the Sri Lankan Liberal Party in February 2002. On April 2, 2004, after his party "United People's Freedom Alliance" won the Sri Lankan general election in 2004, he was elected Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on April 6, 2004. Elected President of Sri Lanka on November 18, 2005. Mahinda Rajapaksa and Wen Jiabao, in August 2011, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited China. The picture shows him shaking hands with the then Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. The leaders of the three countries, Hu Jintao, Medvedev, and Mahinda Rajapaksa have a cordial conversation. Guests are greeted at the railway station