China’s total assistance to Sri Lanka, since the setting up of diplomatic relations between the two countries, amounts to over Rs. 220 billion, Chinese Ambassador Yi Xianliang told guests at a reception to mark the 68th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at the BMICH, Colombo on Tuesday, September 26.In recent years, China has become the largest assistance provider to Sri Lanka. From 2014 to 2017, China provided Rs. 33 billion as aid, given gratis and from 2018 to 2020 the aid will be Rs. 47 billion, he said.
Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne represented the Government. The Ambassador said the Chinese Government provided Rs. 800 million to Sri Lanka as emergency humanitarian aid this year. The Chinese international rescue team, Red Cross and local Chinese companies also joined the disaster relief efforts.
Bilateral relations between China and Sri Lanka have reached new heights through high-level exchanges, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. China and Sri Lanka are friends indeed and in need, he said.
The Ambassador said this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact between China and Sri Lanka.
China looks forward to work with Sri Lankan friends for a more brilliant future of bilateral relations as well as the well-being of our two peoples, he said. Minister Senaratne said that China is a reliable partner and trust friend and contributes towards the economic development of Sri Lanka and that the country is appreciative of China’s commitment and assistance. Sri Lanka would firmly pursue a one-China policy, continuously strengthen traditional friendship and push forward bilateral ties.
A photo exhibition on the theme, 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the 65th Anniversary of the Signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact’ was also held.