Sri Lanka is entering a new era under strong leadership, said Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, emphasizing that the country has the potential to recover swiftly from its current challenges. The Chinese government, he assured, will provide support in every possible way to assist this process.
Ambassador Qi made these remarks during an event at the Palipana Sri Chandanananda Buddhist College in Kandy, where educational supplies were distributed to 10 schools in the Kandy District as part of the Chinese Embassy’s scholarship programme. The event was held under the patronage of the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, the Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter.
The programme, initiated in 2016, has benefited students from 20 schools across Sri Lanka, with plans to extend its reach to more schools in the future. Ambassador Qi highlighted the transformative power of education, stating that collective efforts to enhance education are crucial. He also reaffirmed China’s decades-long support for improving Sri Lanka’s education system.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, China donated 10,000 metric tons of rice to Sri Lanka. Additionally, for the 2025 academic year, the Chinese government is allocating Rs. 5.2 billion to provide school uniforms for students, which are expected to arrive before the end of this year.
Ambassador Qi also noted that the partnership between the two countries goes beyond governmental support, with the Chinese Buddhist community contributing food and other essential items to Sri Lankan citizens, further strengthening bilateral ties.
Speaking at the event, the founder of Palipana Chandanananda Buddhist College and senior member of the Asgiriya Chapter, Venerable Godagama Mangala Thera, expressed gratitude for China’s unwavering support. He highlighted that China has consistently extended assistance during Sri Lanka’s most challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event was attended by the principal of the Chandanananda Buddhist College, Venerable Godagama Dhammakitti Thera, other members of the Buddhist clergy, and the school’s academic staff.
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