(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met with the Chinese Ambassador Cheng Xueyuan yesterday afternoon (February 06) and assured that Sri Lanka stands in solidarity with China during the coronavirus epidemic crisis.
During the meeting, the President on behalf of the Sri Lankan government and people as a gesture of goodwill gifted a consignment of Ceylon black tea to China to fight the epidemic.
The Ambassador briefed the President on the latest situation of the epidemic coronavirus status and the containment plans and emphasized that China has resolutely adopted a series of powerful measures in the whole country.
“We have the determination, confidence, and ability to win the battle to prevent and control the epidemic,” he said.
President Rajapaksa, recalling that he had studied at Wuhan University, has said that he has a special affection for the people in the province and paid close attention to the epidemic.
The President said he wrote a letter to President Xi Jinping expressing sincere condolences and firm support to the Chinese people on behalf of the Sri Lankan people.
“I also instructed the Sri Lankan government and all sectors of society at the parliament and cabinet meetings to actively respond and cooperate with the Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka to prevent and control the epidemic,” he said.
The Sri Lankan President and the Chinese Ambassador also exchanged views on topics such as cooperation in fields of common interest.
Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and Senior advisor Lalith Weeratunga were also present at the discussion.
