The Sri Lankan government on Tuesday stressed the importance of maintaining strong economic ties with China.

Sri Lanka's State Minister of Finance Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told Parliament Tuesday that some of the most powerful countries in the world have realized that they need to be close to China.

Abeywardena, who was a Minister in the former government and later supported the new government headed by President Maithripala Sirisena, said that a stable economy in China is important to the region, including Sri Lanka.

The minister said that more Chinese investors must be invited to Sri Lanka and any issues which may arise should be resolved amicably.

The former Sri Lankan government initiated several projects with Chinese assistance but the new government which took office in January this year decided to align itself more with India and the United States.

Abeywardena, however, said that it is important that Sri Lanka expands its ties with China.

He recalled that even Britain, which had once maintain a distance from China,is now getting closer and this is evident during the visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Britain.

The Chinese Government is involved in several projects in Sri Lanka, including port, airport and highway projects.

The port project was put on hold after the new government took office but last week a government Minister insisted that the project would resume under a new agreement.

(Xinhua)