China Donates Humanitarian Aid to Strengthen Sri Lanka’s Disaster Relief Efforts

A humanitarian aid consignment from the Government of the People's Republic of China was formally handed over to Sri Lanka today (08 December) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), providing timely support for ongoing relief and recovery operations following recent adverse weather conditions that affected several regions of the country.

His Excellency Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Sri Lanka, officially handed over the consignment during a ceremonial event held at the airport.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilake; Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd); Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrema (Retd), Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (AASL); and Major General (Retd) Sampath Kotuwegoda, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong reaffirmed the strong and longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and China, highlighting the enduring cooperation and support shared between the two nations. He reiterated China's commitment to assisting Sri Lanka during times of national need.

Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), conveyed gratitude on behalf of the President and the Government of Sri Lanka for the timely humanitarian assistance. He acknowledged China's continued solidarity and noted that the support would significantly contribute to national disaster relief efforts.

Senior officials representing the Chinese Embassy, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Disaster Management Centre, Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Air Force, Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka, and Bandaranaike International Airport were present for the handover.