Vice Chairman of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. WANG DONGMING, has assured that China will provide maximum support to Sri Lanka’s efforts to rebuild the lives of its people affected by Cyclone Ditva. He stated that under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sri Lanka will soon recover from the disaster.
Mr. WANG DONGMING, who is currently visiting Sri Lanka, made these remarks during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (17).
Expressing deep concern over the severe impact of the cyclone, the Vice Chairman said that the Chinese government and people were profoundly saddened by the disaster. He added that China had taken immediate measures to provide relief to the affected Sri Lankan communities.
Highlighting the purpose of his visit, Mr. WANG emphasized the intent to further strengthen the long-standing economic, cultural, and diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka.
President Dissanayake expressed his gratitude to Mr. WANG and the Chinese delegation for visiting Sri Lanka during this critical time. He warmly appreciated the heartfelt support provided by China through both material and financial assistance aimed at helping the affected population.
The President also indicated that he would request the Chinese government, including President Xi Jinping, to extend necessary technical assistance, particularly for the restoration and reconstruction of the nation’s damaged railway system.
During the meeting, President Dissanayake briefed the Chinese delegation on the disaster situation and the ongoing reconstruction program. He explained that the government’s initial focus was on rescuing affected individuals, followed by providing essential services such as food and healthcare. He added that a structured plan is now in place to restore normalcy to the lives of those impacted by the cyclone.
The meeting was attended by LU XINSHE, Chairman of the Environmental Protection and Resource Conservation Committee of the National People’s Congress of China; WANG KE, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Deputy Head of the China-Sri Lanka Friendship Group of the National People’s Congress; TAN TIANXING, Vice Chairman of the Social Development Committee; TANG JIAN, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Bureau of the General Secretariat of the Standing Committee; YANG YIN, Advisor to the Asian Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; SHA LONG, Third Secretary of the Asian Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and QI ZHENHONG, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka.
Representing the Sri Lankan government, the event was attended by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando; Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; and Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage.
