COLOMBO, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has reaffirmed the nation's commitment to expanding its energy partnership with China, describing China as a "close friend" and outlining ambitious plans for collaboration across petroleum and renewable energy projects.

In an interview with Xinhua on Friday, Jayakody emphasized Sri Lanka's eagerness to accelerate key energy projects in cooperation with Chinese partners. "We have a refinery project in Hambantota, and we are in a hurry to start this project," he said.

"Not only in petroleum, but we also want to start some projects in the electricity sector, especially in using solar and wind power. We are very likely to call for the support of China in these sectors," Jayakody noted.

Jayakody highlighted that Sri Lanka is particularly interested in leveraging China's advancements in battery storage technology to improve the reliability and sustainability of its electricity sector.

"We like to have those partnerships to develop these areas," he said, pointing to a broader vision of modernizing the nation's energy infrastructure with Chinese expertise.

The minister's remarks came as Chinese state-owned energy giant Sinopec marked its first "Clean Sri Lanka" Open Day at the newly upgraded Dilly Fuelling Station in Nawala on Friday. The event was attended by senior government officials, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, and community leaders.

The "Clean Sri Lanka" initiative, launched under the new government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, aims to promote environmental sustainability and ethical standards across the nation's infrastructure.

Sinopec's Open Day, which drew members of the public to tour the upgraded Nawala station, showcased new features such as advanced fuel pumps, enhanced safety systems, fuel vapor capture valves, and clean restroom facilities accessible to all.

The company has committed to improving not only infrastructure but also service standards, with island-wide training for station managers and fuel pump attendants in safety, first aid, and customer service.

Ambassador Qi echoed this sentiment, stating, "Today's event is not only a showcase of Sinopec's achievements in clean, modernized infrastructure, but also a testament to the tangible benefits that bilateral cooperation brings to local communities."■