China has pledged its full support to Sri Lanka’s economic and social recovery efforts in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, expressing confidence in the country’s rapid recovery under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership.
Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, conveyed this assurance during a meeting with President Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting took place as part of Wang’s official visit to Sri Lanka, the President’s Media Division said.
“The Chinese Government and people are deeply saddened by the disaster and acted swiftly to provide relief assistance,” Wang said.
He said that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen longstanding economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
President Dissanayake thanked China for its immediate response and support, including material and financial assistance for communities affected by the cyclone. He also requested technical assistance from the Chinese Government, specifically for the restoration and reconstruction of Sri Lanka’s damaged railway network.
Briefing the Chinese delegation on the disaster situation and recovery efforts, the President said the government’s immediate priorities include rescue operations, relocation of affected individuals, and provision of essential services such as food and healthcare. He added that a structured programme is now underway to restore livelihoods and return life to normalcy in impacted areas.
The Chinese delegation included senior officials such as Lu Xinshe, Chairman of the Environmental Protection and Resources Conservation Committee, and Wang Ke, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Deputy Head of the China–Sri Lanka Friendship Group. Also in attendance were Tan TianXing, Tang Jian, Yang Yin, Sha Long, and Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong.
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 Roshan Gamage were also present. (Newswire)
