Chinese children warmly welcome 'Migara'

Ranil Wijayapala in Beijing

CHINA: Chinese children yesterday embraced the most lovable animal of the children across the world as President Mahinda Rajapaksa donated baby elephant 'Migara' to the Beijing National Zoological Garden last evening marking another milestone in the long-standing friendship between the two countries.

Children flocked to the baby elephant 'Migara' to have a close look at their new friend soon after the official function at the Beijing Zoo with the participation of Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress Ms. He Luli.

Though 'Migara' looked a little uneasy due to changed weather conditions and unusual friends surrounding him, he was affectionately welcomed by Chinese children and also adults gathered at the Beijing National Zoological Garden.

"I respectfully call upon the Government and people of China to accept this gift. What we are bestowing on you is the honour and affection of the people of Sri Lanka. We Sri Lankans consider the elephant a symbol of our environment and our history. Sri Lankans honour the elephants with a great sense of gratitude. We believe that the elephant owns a part of our glorious history," President Rajapaksa stated.

The President said 'Migara' represents the love of Sri Lankan people specially of children towards the people in China as elephant has been recognised as the most loved animal across the world.

President Rajapaksa also recalled that two baby elephants have been donated to China earlier - during Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike's tenure in 1972 and during Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa's tenure in 1984.

He expressed the hope that the Chinese people will look after 'Migara' affectionately despite arriving at a strange place.

"The main challenge facing a developing country today is to achieve the expectations of man while protecting the fauna and flora of the land and its environment.

All people who have made development as their goal are faced with this great challenge. Similarly, our environment suffers great damage due to war and poverty," he said.

"That is why we extend our cooperation to every step taken by the international community towards achieving world peace and eradicating poverty.

Similarly, it is necessary to identify terrorism as a cancer that brings great destruction to the people and the environment of a country. We believe that all countries that love the environment accept their responsibility to eradicate such cancers affecting their lands," the President added.

Luli gave a prompt assurance to the President that the Chinese authorities and people would look after the baby elephant with love and affection.

She said the long-standing friendship between the two countries will be further strengthen with the donation of Migara to Beijing Zoo.

Sri Lankan Ministers who arrived in China along with the President also participated.