-By Diplomatic Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -17.July.2025, 11.00 PM) China’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, pledged unwavering support to the island nation, reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to act as both a “trusted brother and a reliable partner” whenever Sri Lanka is in need.
Speaking at a ceremonial event held yesterday (16 July) at the Ministry of Education in Battaramulla, the ambassador made his remarks during the official announcement that the Government of China had fully funded the provision of school uniform material for the 2025 academic year—an in-kind donation worth LKR 5.17 billion.
Also present at the event was Sri Lanka’s Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Training and Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who formally acknowledged the completion of the donation.
In his address, Ambassador Qi stated:
“At every moment Sri Lanka requires support, China will remain your faithful brother and staunch ally. Children are not only the future of this country, but also heirs to the deep-rooted friendship between China and Sri Lanka.
Every stitch in these uniforms tells the story of mutual cooperation between our two cultures. I deeply appreciate Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya’s tireless efforts and her dedication to strengthening education in this nation.”
The generous donation marks yet another milestone in the longstanding bilateral ties between the two countries—ties that have withstood geopolitical tremors, economic turmoil, and shifting regional dynamics.
Addressing the audience, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya echoed the sentiment, hailing the Chinese contribution as “a timely intervention during one of Sri Lanka’s most challenging periods.”
“What exists between Sri Lanka and China is a long-standing friendship founded on cooperation. This donation of school uniform fabric is a vital step in that relationship,” said Dr. Amarasuriya. “In both 2023 and 2024, the Chinese Government generously provided a substantial portion of our national requirement. For 2025, they have covered the entire demand—ensuring our children receive their uniforms without burdening their families.”
She went on to underscore the impact of the donation, particularly as Sri Lanka continues to recover from its economic crisis:
“In a time of severe financial difficulty, this gesture has made a real difference in the lives of Sri Lankan schoolchildren. Our Government has already submitted a formal request to the Chinese Government to extend this support into 2026. On behalf of Sri Lanka’s children and parents, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of China.”
The provision of school uniform materials has become one of China’s most visible forms of soft diplomacy in Sri Lanka, symbolising Beijing’s willingness to stand by its regional allies not only through infrastructure and loans but also in socially impactful ways.
This latest donation comes amid growing geopolitical attention on Sri Lanka’s balancing act between competing regional powers. With its ports, trade routes, and strategic location in the Indian Ocean, the country remains at the centre of a quiet tug-of-war between China, India, and Western powers.
For China, the uniform donation is more than a benevolent gesture—it is a quiet reaffirmation of presence, goodwill, and staying power in Sri Lanka's domestic affairs.
-By Diplomatic Correspondent
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by (2025-07-17 19:25:15)
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