President expresses solidarity with China over coronavirus outbreak

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sent a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping conveying his solidarity with China and offering strong support to the Chinese people in the face of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

The Chinese Embassy in Colombo in a statement said on 3 February 2020 that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had sent a signed letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping expressing his sincere condolences and firm support on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government and people in controlling the outbreak of the new strain of coronavirus in China.

In the letter, President Rajapaksa said he was saddened to learn that more than 300 Chinese citizens were killed by the new coronavirus.

“The Sri Lankan Government, people and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the deceased, their relatives and other patients. The people of Sri Lanka will sincerely pray for the Chinese people and will never give up,” the President’s letter read.

Recalling that the Chinese Government had assisted Sri Lankan citizens living in Wuhan and other places to return to Sri Lanka at a critical juncture, showing China’s sincere friendship with Sri Lanka, the President expressed his gratitude and assured that the Government and Sri Lankan people would ensure the safety and happiness of Chinese citizens living in Sri Lanka.

“The friendship between Sri Lanka and China goes back to ancient times. Since the Non-Aligned Movement, our two countries have firmly supported each other, understood and cooperated with each other. Facing the current difficulties, the people of Sri Lanka sincerely wish the indomitable and tenacious Chinese people to overcome the disease at an early date,” it added.

President Rajapaksa noted that China had offered strong support in the fight against terrorism in Sri Lanka and had provided tremendous help in Sri Lanka’s development and construction. 

“We are grateful for this. As a true friend in distress, Sri Lanka will stand firmly with China,” he said.

“I firmly believe that under your leadership, China will be able to quickly overcome the challenges brought on by the epidemic. The people of Sri Lanka will work together with Your Excellency and the Chinese people,” the President emphasised.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying at Monday’s press briefing said that since the novel coronavirus outbreak, some countries had expressed understanding and support to China through various means.