(Corr) China "impressed" by Sri Lanka's relief efforts, offers emergency aid

(Correcting date)

Text of unattributed report headlined "China Impressed on Lankan Efforts To Save Displaced" published by Sri Lankan newspaper Daily Mirror on 12 May

The Chinese government yesterday said that it was impressed by the 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.

Chinese Ambassador in Colombo Yang Xiuping made this comment soon after she handed over a Cheque of US$ 1 million as emergency relief assistance for IDPs to Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday at the Ministry in Colombo.

The foreign ministry said in a statement that 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.

"As a true friend of Sri Lanka, China was pleased to make this financial contribution towards the Government's humanitarian relief programme," the ministry said quoting the Chinese ambassador.

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 April 27 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.

Source: Daily Mirror website, Colombo, in English 12 May 09

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Related terms: china, emergency, government, newspaper, sri lanka, terrorism