Minister Rajitha receives Chinese award

Mohammed Naalir

Construction and Engineering Services Minister Rajitha Senaratne received the "China-Sri Lanka Friendship award" by China International Radio in recognition of his service he rendered in providing publicity for the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

China State Council Member Chen presented the award to Senaratne at the China State Council. Minister Senaratne was nominated for this award to mark the long lasting bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and China and for carrying out a publicity campaign for the Beijing Olympic.

The Minister assuring the fullest support of Sri Lankans handed over a signature album collected from the olympic fans to Mr. Chen.

Speaking at the awards presentation ceremony in China, Senaratne said the coming Beijing Olympic will portray Asia's true strength to the world.

The "Olympics is the one and only sports event which gathers the athletes and spectators from various parts of the world irrespective of race, cast, religions, colour and communal differences; he said.