A school supplies donation event held by the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka took place at three schools in Moratuwa, Galle and Matara last week.
According to the Chinese Embassy, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong led a group to the schools on 25 and 26th June to attend the “Culture and Care for Young Hearts, Together in Friendship” event.
During the event, stationery was donated to students, and food packages were provided to the underprivileged families. The value of donated items received by each school is approximately Rs. 1.6 million.
Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, Deputy Minister of National Integration, Muneer Mulaffer, government officials, principals, teachers and students participated in the events.
The following is Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong’s full speech at the events:
Today, we gather with joyful hearts to provide school supplies for Sri Lankan students and dry food ration boxes for families in need. Though these items may not be expensive, they embody the profound goodwill between the people of China and the people of Sri Lanka. As the ancient Sri Lankan saying goes: “A friend’s kindness is more precious than gold.
There is an old Chinese proverb that says, “Even in hardship, we must not neglect education; even in poverty, we must not let our children suffer.” Children are the future of a nation and the seeds of hope. No matter how difficult life may be, we must do our best to create good learning conditions for them.
Today, we have brought school bags, notebooks, and pencils with the hope that you can study with peace of mind and use knowledge to change your destiny. We believe that, with the devoted efforts of teachers, the younger generation will grow up strong and become the pillars of the nation’s future.
At the same time, we have also prepared food packages for some families in need, hoping to offer timely support during difficult times. China and Sri Lanka are good friends and reliable partners who look out for each other. Since ancient times, our two peoples have been closely connected through the Maritime Silk Road, supporting one another like family.
As a Sri Lankan poet once said, “A true friend is someone who holds an umbrella for you in the rain.” When China was in need, the Sri Lankan people extended generous support to us. Today, we are equally willing to lend a helping hand and stand with our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters through challenging times.
Dear students, you are the future of Sri Lanka. I hope you will cherish the opportunity to learn and grow strong like the coconut tree — with roots that reach deep and leaves that spread wide — so that one day, you can contribute to your motherland’s progress and prosperity.
China will continue to walk hand in hand with Sri Lanka, deepening our cooperation in education, development, and beyond, so that the tree of our friendship may flourish with even more strength and vitality.
Finally, I wish you all academic success and joyful growth! May every family enjoy happiness and good health. And may the friendship between our two countries be passed down from generation to generation, like the endless waves of the Indian Ocean — never ceasing, always enduring. (Newswire)