China offers over $ 1.5 million emergency aid to Sri Lanka

Thursday, 20 January 2011 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The government of China has decided to provide over $ 1.5 million in emergency humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka’s as relief for the flood-affected areas.

“China will offer emergency humanitarian aid worth 10 million yuan (about 1.52 million U.S. dollars) to Sri Lanka,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said Tuesday at the regular press briefing.

In addition to the Chinese government’s $1.52 million relief package, the Red Cross Society of China would provide cash assistance of $30,000, the spokesman said.

Hong said the Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi has extended condolences to his Sri Lankan counterpart, Prof. G.L. Peiris.

China has been the biggest donor for Sri Lanka even surpassing the World Bank and Asia Development Bank. China is also financing Sri Lanka’s biggest infrastructure projects including the Hambantota Harbour and second international airport.