Faxian Charity Project benefits the people of Northern Province

Saturday, 11 November 2023 00:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From 5 to 7 November, Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong made his second visit to the Northern Province of Sri Lanka to donate 5,000 boxes of dry rations worth Rs. 37.5 million under the “Faxian Charity Project” to needy families in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi and Mannar.

10 donation ceremonies were held in district secretariats, temples, kovils and churches, benefiting a large number of local people.

Ambassador Qi Zhenhong stated, “China and Sri Lanka enjoy a longstanding traditional friendship which has withstood the test of the time. No matter what difficulty and challenge our Sri Lankan friends encounter, China has stood and will always stand firmly with you and provide assistance to the best of our capability.” By emphasising the friendly relations of the two countries, Ambassador Qi further mentioned that the Chinese government has promised to donate Rs. 150 million to the Northern Province to buy food rations, fishing nets and to build housing units.

“Love rises above differences in race and belief, and kindness transcends boundaries and borders. China’s friendly policy to Sri Lanka treats all people equally regardless of their ethnicity, faith or region. Whether you are Sinhalese, Tamil, Buddhist or Muslim, China is always your good brother, good partner and good friend,” Ambassador Qi made this statement at several public gatherings, showing China’s goodwill and kindness to the Island as a whole.

“Last month, President Wickremesinghe paid a successful visit to China, reaching an agreement with President Xi Jinping to facilitate the export of Sri Lankan seafood to China. China is the second largest economy with a huge market. We look forward to importing more seafood from Sri Lanka instead of exporting them to you. Chinese enterprises are interested in investing in the Northern Province and I hope you will welcome and support them,” he said, referring to a report recently released by Trincomalee Centre for Strategic Studies claiming that China is selling seafood to Sri Lanka, thus harming the interests of local fishermen.

Ambassador was warmly welcomed by the locals with traditional dancing and ceremonies. Local authorities, officials, red cross society, fishermen society and people from all walks of life provided important assistance to ensure the success of the visit. Many Sri Lankan mainstream media gave positive and objective press coverage and applauded the visit for benefiting the people of Northern Province.