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The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), the apex body of the Sri Lankan chamber movement which comprises 63 member chambers islandwide, arranged a donation of much-needed medical items through China International Chamber of Commerce for the private sector (CICCPS) in Beijing with the support of the Xiangyuan County in Shanxi Province in China.
The donation, which contained 20,000 surgical masks, 2,000 N95 masks, disposable protective clothing (200) and isolation clothes (200) was handed over to Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing Deputy Chief of Mission K.K. Yoganaadan on 31 March.
Speaking at the ceremony CICCPS Party Secretary and President Wang Yanguo told the gathering: “I think the fight against the new coronavirus epidemic is also the most practical exercise and test for the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement Chamber of Commerce and Industry (APTA CCI), which is just under preparation. Our cooperation shows our spirit and courage to fight together and work together in the face of this virus and epidemic that endangers mankind. We know that when China fought against the epidemic, FCCISL and people of Sri Lanka gave us strong support and solidarity; when you have difficulties we certainly will provide help and support. As I said, mountains and rivers divide us but love and affection are boundless. We are willing to overcome the epidemic and build up APTA CCI for the common benefit of all APTA countries.”
Speaking from Colombo on this magnanimous act, FCCISL Director and APTA CCI Beijing, China President Dr. Rohitha Silva said: “We understand that China is also in the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the country is still getting back to normalcy. In this context, this is indeed not only an act of goodwill, humanity, and commitment on the part of the leadership of CICCPS, but also a landmark event that fosters the solidarity, economic relationship and mutual respect towards APTA CCI, headquartered in Beijing, China.”
FCCISL and CICCPS are founder members of APTA CCI set up under the ministerial declaration of the Fourth Session of the Ministerial Council of The Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement held in Bangkok in 2017.
“On behalf of FCCISL and APTA CCI we also wish to recognise the assistance given by the Government of Xiangyuan County – Shanxi Province in making this donation a reality, and make history come alive by honouring the legendary explorer and Buddhist monk Fa Xian who visited Sri Lanka from his hometown in Shanxi Province thousands of years ago.”
FCCISL President Shirley Jayawardena thanked the CICCPS and Xiangyuan County for coming forward to assist Sri Lanka in its hour of need and thanked the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing for coordinating the delivery from Beijing to Colombo. The said equipment has been directed to the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health.
