Sri Lanka, known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," spent the last decade repairing the scars of civil war. China has provided support without any strings attached and participated in the country's post-war reconstruction and recovery following the 2022 economic crisis. In this edition of Leaders Talk, CMG's Zou Yun sat down with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena during his official visit to China to meet Chinese leaders and attend the Boao Forum for Asia 2024 Annual Conference. Gunawardena discusses the traditional friendship between the two countries and the "original intention" of the China-Sri Lanka friendly cooperation by carrying out the spirit of the 1952 Rubber-Rice Pact. He says that Sri Lanka looks to deepen cooperation with China on agriculture and fisheries, and learn from China's experience and achievements.  Gunawardena also remarks that key projects within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative such as the Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City will contribute to his country's development and modernization.