Sri Lanka wishes China to succeed, and trusts China to exercise responsibly and constructively the enormous power and influence that will necessarily accompany great economic success.[1]—Lakshman KadirgamarThe 21st Century international environment has been characterized by heightened turbulence and shifting geopolitical alliances. In this prevailing uncertain and volatile international climate, cooperative and collaborative endeavors between states are required more than ever before. The rise in the frequency and intensity of Traditional and Non-Traditional Security Threats necessitate closer synergies between great and small powers alike. Mutually beneficial relationships grounded on concerted partnership-building could enable the international community as a whole, to avoid the pitfalls of previous generations.In recent years, South Asia has been identified by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as one of the fastest-growing regions in the world; extending a lead over East Asia and the Pacific. Economic growth in South Asia could rise to 7.1% in 2020-20121 - despite existing trade tensions and fluctuations in weather patterns.[2] Given the renewed significance ascribed to the Indian Ocean Region and the rapid and efficacious development of Asia’s two Civilizational states - India and China - it is apt that areas of greater confluence are sought by small states such as Sri Lanka.This paper examines Sino-Sri Lankan relations spanning from the ancient past to the present context. The first section surveys the historical ties which existed between the two civilizations while the second section scrutinizes the Sino-Sri Lankan economic and diplomatic linkages after formal diplomatic relations were established in the 1950s. In that sense, this paper complements previous research done by the LKI while also drawing attention to the diverse and hitherto unexplored areas of cooperation and engagement between the two states. The final section underscores the need to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and coordination between the two countries so that the Sino-Sri Lankan partnership more acutely blends with local priorities.