Chinese President pledges assistance to Sri Lanka to help recovery

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a message of condolences to his Sri Lankan counterpart Maithripala Sirisena over the devastating floods and landslides that hit the country last week.

In the message, Xi mourned the dead and extended condolences to those affected, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Xi said that the Chinese Government fully supports Sri Lanka’s disaster relief efforts, pledging assistance and support within China’s capacity to help with the relief and post-disaster recovery of Sri Lanka in accordance with its requirements.

The Chinese President voiced his belief that the Sri Lankan Government and people will overcome the natural disasters and rebuild their homes as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang extended his condolences to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe over the floods and landslides.

In a message, Li mourned those killed in the disasters and expressed his sincere condolences to the Sri Lankan Government and those affected.

The Chinese Premier said that the Chinese side deeply sympathises with the Sri Lankan people and will provide assistance and support within its capacity to help with the relief and post-disaster recovery of Sri Lanka.

As of Thursday, at least 102 Sri Lankan people have been killed and over 200,000 fled their homes due to the floods and landslides last week. Around 30,000 houses have been completely destroyed.

Although the floodwater in most places is now subsiding, some parts of the Gampaha and Colombo Districts are still submerged and landslide warnings remain in rural areas.