1st batch of Chinese emergency humanitarian medicine aid arrives in Sri Lanka

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong (2nd R) and Sri Lankan Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella (2nd L) attend the handover ceremony of Chinese emergency humanitarian medicine aid at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Tang Lu)

Sri Lanka is presently in the midst of a severe economic crisis featuring shortages of foreign exchange, fuel and other essential supplies, as well as a rising inflation.

COLOMBO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The first batch of Chinese emergency humanitarian medicine aid has arrived at Sri Lanka's Bandaranaike International Airport.

China fully relates to the difficulties and challenges faced by Sri Lanka and will continue to provide assistance within its capacity through all possible channels, said Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong at the handover ceremony on Friday night.

Appreciating the medicine aid provided by China, Sri Lankan Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella said the Chinese government and people always come forward to assist Sri Lanka during the most challenging times.

The Chinese government has decided to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka to help the country cope with the current difficulties, a spokesperson for China International Development Cooperation Agency said on April 19.

Sri Lanka is presently in the midst of a severe economic crisis featuring shortages of foreign exchange, fuel and other essential supplies, as well as rising inflation.