Sri Lanka can always count on China – Chinese Ambassador

Sri Lanka can always count on China to be a trustworthy brother and reliable partner, Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said yesterday, reaffirming Beijing’s unwavering support to Sri Lanka.  

“Allow me to reaffirm that whenever Sri Lanka is in need, China will always be your trustworthy brother and reliable partner,” the ambassador said speaking during the official handover of the 2025 school uniform material grant at the Ministry of Education.  

The ambassador highlighted that Sri Lanka’s entire school uniform fabric requirement for 2025 — covering 4.6 million students — will be met by China for the first time. This milestone comes after progressive increases in support: 70% coverage in 2023 and 80% in 2024. The latest batch of high-quality fabric, valued at RMB 124.62 million (approximately LKR 5.11 billion), was delivered ahead of schedule to Colombo Port on December 25, 2024, he said.  

Ambassador Qi acknowledged Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya “personal attention and tireless efforts,” which he said brought tangible benefits to millions of children across the island.  

Sri Lanka will continue to receive China’s assistance in 2026 as well, according to the Ambassador, who described the ongoing cooperation as “a bridge of warmth stretching across mountains and seas.”