Mar 25, Colombo: The Chinese government has decided to donate 2,000 tonnes of rice to Sri Lanka in view of the current food shortages in the island nation.

In a media release, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said At the request of the Sri Lankan government upon current difficulty of food shortage in the island, the Chinese government decides to provide 2,000 tonnes of rice as emergency food aid to the brotherly people of Sri Lanka, with a total value of about 2.5 million US dollars (including freight expense).

The Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong has assured Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa that China will continue to support Sri Lanka’s development within its capacity.

The Ambassador recalling that the year 2022 marks the 65th anniversary of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of the Rubber-Rice Pact, said the two countries share a tradition of helping each other and sharing weal and woe with each other.

The Embassy noted that the continuously raging COVID-19 pandemic and the dramatically changing international situation have further worsen the global food shortage and shipping capacity.

Against this backdrop, the technical teams from both countries will work closely to finalize the production and shipment arrangements, and deliver the aid to Sri Lanka at an early date.

“As always, China will continue to support Sri Lanka’s social and economic development within its capacity,” the statement said.

Responding to the China’s announcement, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in a tweet said he is thankful to the President and the Government of China for this invaluable gift at a time when Sri Lanka is facing difficulties.

“Sri Lanka is grateful to China for the strong bond and the continued friendship we share,” he said.