The groundbreaking and blessing ceremony for the construction of the Agricultural Economic Center in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka was held in North Central Province on Sept 7,2017.

Maithripala Sirisena, president of Sri Lanka, unveiled the commemorative plaque of the ancient city with the accompaniment of traditional dance troupes and ceremonial drums, and planted saplings of mahua (an Indian tropical tree) with Yi Xianliang, the Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka, to commemorate the occasion.

Maithripala Sirisena, president of Sri Lanka, plants the mahua (an Indian tropical tree) saplings. [Photo/POWERCHINA]

President Sirisena and guests attending the foundation ceremony laid the cornerstone for the center together.

The groundbreaking ceremony of the project will open a new chapter in the construction plan, marking another achievement for the Belt and Road Initiative.

President Sirisena expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for its preferential economic assistance in his speech. Thanks to the efforts of China and Sri Lanka, the groundbreaking of the project is one of the five major development projects provided by the multi-sectoral development plan.

Maithripala Sirisena, president of Sri Lanka, gives a speech at the groundbreaking and blessing ceremony for the construction of the Agricultural Economic Center in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. [Photo/POWERCHINA]

In addition, there will be a series of agricultural and infrastructure projects implemented between 2017 and 2020, with the estimated investment of 352 billion rupees (1.5 billion yuan).

POWERCHINA's Sinohydro Corporation signed a business contract with the Ministry of Agriculture of Sri Lanka on Nov 17, 2016.

The construction of the Agricultural Economic Center consists of two parts: the main trade complex and the agricultural industrial zone.

The main trade complex covers 240,000 square feet, with an information center, trading center, supermarket, children's amusement park, canteen, bank, toilet and other facilities. The agricultural industrial zone covers 25,800 square feet and includes a trading area, storage area, exhibition hall, outdoor rest facilities, catering facilities and hygiene systems.

The establishment of the Agricultural Commercial Economic Center will bring the benefits of modern trade and technology development to rural communities, and contribute to the promotion of local tourism.