Colombo: China is an important partner in the
development of the war-ravaged northern region where the
process of resettlement of Tamils has gained momentum, Sri
Lankan Defence Ministry said today.
"China, as one of the leading international partners for
northern development, has also donated 6,252 tents and 34 more
heavy machinery and equipment to be used for resettlement and
reconstruction work in the North," the Ministry said in a
statement.
Premier Ratnasiri Wickremanayake yesterday received
de-mining equipment from China. A stock of 50 de-mining
detectors and 50 Protective Equipment for army de-miners
conducting humanitarian operations in the North was handed
over to him by Chinese Ambassador Yang Xiuping here.
Army Chief Lt Gen Jagath Jayasuriya and other senior
officials were also present on the occasion.
The Chinese equipment valued at Sri Lankan Rs 50 million
are expected to accelerate the ongoing army de-mining
operations in the North, the statement said.
Earlier this month, the Chinese government donated
equipment worth Rs 285.4 million for infrastructure
development in the North and East.
Immediately after the end of the war with the LTTE in May
last year, China made a cash donation of USD 100 million to
Sri Lanka.
Thereafter 6,257 tents were donated, the ministry said,
adding in addition, 2,000 tents were given by China's Sichuan
Province.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, March 02, 2010, 14:52