Ambassador Qi Zhenhong attended the International Panda Packs Donation Ceremony in Sri Lanka
2025-01-07 17:00

On January 7, the China Foundation for Rural Development and the Sri Lankan government jointly held an International Panda Packs Donation Ceremony at the Prime Minister's Office. Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Hon. Madhura Senevirathna, Secretary to Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher education and Vocational education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewe and Assistant Director of the International Development Department of the China Foundation for Rural Development Ms. Zou Zhiqiang attended the ceremony.

Ambassador Qi expressed China’s firm support for the policy proposed by Sri Lankan leaders to vigorously develop education and increase assistance for underprivileged students. The donation of 5,000 Panda Packs by the China Foundation for Rural Development will help improve the basic learning conditions of students in impoverished areas of Sri Lanka and promote the development of Sri Lanka’s education sector. The Panda Packs Project is highly expected to be another bridge of friendship between the people and youth of China and Sri Lanka.

Hon. Madhura Senevirathna said that this donation will effectively alleviate the shortage of school supplies faced by students in Sri Lanka’s impoverished areas. The Sri Lankan government are deeply grateful for the assistance from the China Foundation for Rural Development, as it reflects the strong friendship between Sri Lankan and Chinese people. They hope China will continue to pay attention to and support the development of education in Sri Lanka.

Ms. Zou Zhiqiang introduced that the 5,000 Panda Packs donated this time, with their total value registering RMB 750,000, are specially designed with Chinese cultural elements. It is expected that the students who benefit from it could study hard and deepen their understanding of China and Chinese culture.

The International Panda Packs Project was jointly launched by the China Foundation for Rural Development and Alibaba Philanthropy in 2019. It aims to improve the basic learning conditions of needed primary school students in developing countries along the Belt and Road, promote the overall development of those students, and build a bridge of friendship. The donation ceremony marks the inauguration of the International Panda Packs Project in Sri Lanka.