Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for talks with Chinese leaders, as his country seeks greater economic ties with China.

During his state visit, Mr. Rajapaksa is set to meet with President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and to attend an international sporting event in Shenzhen.

China is Sri Lanka’s biggest investor and is involved in building infrastructure across the South Asian island nation.

Sri Lankan leaders have pledged development and reconciliation in the country following the nearly three decade war against the Tamil Tiger rebels, which ended in May of 2009. Sri Lanka’s government has come under international pressure to allow an independent probe of alleged human rights violations by both government and rebel forces during the conflict.

Prior to leaving for China, Mr. Rajapaksa said the goal of his trip was to expand trade and economic cooperation. The president also praised China’s role in the global economy and said China’s growth rate is an example for Sri Lanka.