China's top sports Liu Peng to visit Sri Lanka

Liu Peng to visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will also press for implementing a long-term cooperation to develop sports in the country 

A Chinese delegation led by China's top sports official Liu Peng is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka later this week,Sri Lankan Sports Ministry said

The Sri Lankan Sports Ministry expects to work with China to develop sports activities in the country. The visit is expected to kick off on Sept. 23.

The visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is trying to change its image by hosting the 12-nation World Cup T20 cricket tournament 2012.

"Since China is a fast moving nation in the field of sports in the world, it is expected to discuss the possible ways of cooperation with the Ministry to obtain the knowledge and experience, training activities, foreign coaches and to get the equipment, which required at the provincial sports complexes from China," the media release stated.

The Sports Ministry added construction of a High Altitude Training Center in Nuwara Eliya,Sri Lanka a location that is exceptional for special athletic training, would also be discuss to obtain foreign assistance.

Sri Lanka will also press for implementing a long-term cooperation to develop sports in the country with China State General Administration of Sports.

This is the third high profile visit made by a Chinese official to Sri Lanka in the space of five weeks and comes at a time with China's top legislator Wu Bangguo is wrapping up a visit.

The two countries Monday inked 16 agreements in defence, ports, external affairs and other funding matters during the tour.

Relations between the two countries are getting stronger with China emerging as Sri Lanka's largest loan provider since the end of a three-decade civil war in 2009.