Sri Lanka reaches out to Chinese people: Provides 1,000 tents to earthquake victims

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the People’s Republic of China Karunatilaka Amunugama, handed over 1000 tents worth Sri Lanka Rs. 23 million (US $ 210,000) to the earthquake victims in Western China at an official ceremony held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China on Friday.

He YaFei accepted the consignment on behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The tents would be transported to Tianshui city in the Gansu Province, one of the worst hit areas in the recent earthquake.

During the handing over ceremony, the Ambassador stated that Sri Lanka and China have developed a strong bond of friendship that had stood firm over the years and people of both countries have shown solidarity towards each other particularly during difficult times.

While recalling with gratitude the outpouring of China’s generosity and goodwill extended towards Sri Lanka people during the time of the Tsunami in December 2004, the Ambassador indicated that Sri Lanka was impressed by the manner in which the Chinese Government and the people rose to face the challenges posed by this earthquake.

He added that Sri Lanka is of the firm conviction that the resilient nature of the Chinese people will overcome this tragedy in bringing a progressive development in the affected area.

The Ambassador also stated that Sri Lanka is grappled with her own problems of defeating terrorism and expressed gratitude to China for standing firm with her in protecting Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. He added that being a small country, the assistance that came from Sri Lanka was truly from the hearts of the people.

He YaFei expressing his appreciation towards the Government and the People of Sri Lanka said that since the time of the earthquake, the international community in numerous ways expressed their sympathy and relief assistance has been pouring into the country.

However, he felt that the gesture made by Sri Lanka is of great significance and is accepted with warm appreciation, as a shelter of 1000 tents was a prime requirement under the present circumstances.

He also added that being a developing country China understood the pressing issues that the Sri Lanka Government had to deal with in discharging responsibilities towards the people.

In conclusion he remarked that “A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed” and Sri Lanka has displayed their solidarity towards China in both word and deed.

On a directive made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a relief consignment of over US $ 1.3 million was donated towards the earthquake victims of China, which included tents, medicine and medical equipment.