China donates US$ 1 million as emergency relief assistance for IDPs

(May 12, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Responding to a call to the international community by the Government of Sri Lanka for emergency relief assistance for the large number of civilians who have fled to the cleared areas from the clutches of the LTTE, the Government of the People’s Republic of China has donated a sum of US$ one million to the Government of Sri Lanka.

The cheque for this amount was handed over to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rohitha Bogollagama by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China,Yang Xiuping at the Foreign Ministry today (11 May 2009).

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Bogollagama recalled China’s consistent support and assistance in Sri Lanka’s fight against terrorism and its principled stand on upholding Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Minister noted that the generous contribution that the Chinese Government has made towards the humanitarian relief efforts for the displaced civilians in the North, symbolized the solidarity and goodwill of the people of China towards the people of Sri Lanka.

The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Yang Xiuping stated that her Government was impressed by the sincere commitment and the efforts of the Sri Lankan Government to do its utmost to assist the large number of civilians who have come over to the cleared areas. As a true friend of Sri Lanka, China was pleased to make this financial contribution towards the Government’s humanitarian relief programme. She also pointed out that earlier, in response to Foreign Minister Bogollagama’s request made at the recent briefing to the diplomatic corps, the staff of the Chinese Embassy made a donation of Rs. two million on 27th April towards the Government’s emergency relief efforts.

Minister Bogollagama on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka expressed his appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for this goodwill gesture which signifies the deep seated friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

-Sri Lanka Guardian