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Chinese Vice
Minister assures help for Lanka |
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Vice
Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of
China Wu Dawei yesterday met President Chandrika
Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and expressed the condolence of the
Chinese Government and her people to Sri Lanka on the
disaster caused by the December 26 tsunami tidal wave.
He also told the President that the Government of China will
continue to assist Sri Lanka in her hour of need.
The President explaining the nature of the disaster faced by
the country and how they go about providing relief and
rehabilitation thanked the Chinese Government and the people
for their help.
China which has come forward to provide significant
financial assistance of approximately Yuan 150 million ( US
$ 18 million) ,a medical team and relief had already come to
Sri Lanka from China with food and other essential needs
within the first few days after the tragedy.
While, 10 out of 12 Fisheries harbors severely damaged by
the Tsunami disaster, the Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister
expressed his government's support for the revival of the
fisheries industry.
The
tsunami not only crippled the fisheries industry but also
displaced 5,000 fisher families. The total damage has been
estimated to be around Rs.50 billion. The President said the
government was considering the purchase of Fibre glass boats
from China to help the fishermen to start anew their trade.
Chinese Ambassador Sun Guoxiang, Foreign Ministry Additional
Secretary Chitrangani Wagiswara, East Asia and Pacific
Regional Director Anura Rajakaruna and officials from the
Chinese Embassy wetre present at the talks. |
           
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