China distributes food packages to flood affected in East SL (Pics)

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong visited Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara of Eastern Province on Dec. 29.

During the visit, thousands of food packages valued at Rs. 16 million were distributed to those flood affected families.

Speaking during the event, the Chinese ambassador reiterated that China’s friendly policy towards Sri Lanka is inclusive and open, focusing on engaging equally with all individuals, political parties, ethnic groups, and regions.

“Our support for the Sri Lankan people, especially the people of the Eastern Province, has never ceased. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China donated a large number of Sinopharm vaccines to Sri Lanka, with a special focus on the Tamil people in the Northern and Eastern regions, saving countless lives of the Sri Lankan people. When Sri Lanka suffered from severe flooding, China extended a helping hand in a timely manner, providing a batch of Emergency Humanitarian Materials worth 400 million rupees and making a donation of 30 million rupees (USD100,000) as emergency flood relief to the Sri Lankan government with an aim of assisting those affected. Over the past few years, I have visited the Eastern Province time and time again. Early this year, the Chinese government has supported the northern and eastern regions by providing essential supplies for livelihoods with a total value of 1.5 billion rupees, including housing units, rice, and fishing nets. During my last visit to the Eastern Province last month, another 8 million rupees was donated to the province and a number of livelihood projects will be carried out step by step. Today, we are once again here in the Eastern Province to donate 2,470 food packages worth 16 million rupees to people affected by the flooding. We hope that with our assistance, you can overcome these challenges and restore normal life as soon as possible. The Chinese people will always stand with the Sri Lankan people. Together, we can make a difference,” he said.