On June 25th and 26th, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong led a group to three schools in Moratuwa, Galleand Matarato attend the "Culture and Care for Young Hearts, Together in Friendship " school supplies donation event held by the Embassy. Stationery was donated to students, and food packages were provided to the underprivileged families. Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Minister of Justice and National Integration, Hon. Muneer Mulaffer, Deputy Minister of National Integration, the members of parliament in the regions, government officials, principals, teachersand students participated in the events.

Ambassador Qi stated that education is the beacon that lights the way to the future, and children are the seeds of hope. There is an old Chinese proverb that says,“Even in hardship, we must not neglect education; even in poverty, we must not let our children suffer.”Today, we bring school bags, stationery, and food to the children. Though these items may not be expensive, they embody the profound goodwill between the people of China and the people of Sri Lanka. May every pencil write a story that changes a life, and every grain of food become a source of strength for growth.The friendship between China and Sri Lanka, like a pearl on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, grows ever more luminous with time.As a Sri Lankan poet once said, “A true friend is someone who holds an umbrella for you in the rain.” Let us continue walking hand in hand, deepening our cooperation in education, development, and beyond, so that the tree of our friendship may flourish with even more strength and vitality.

Minister Nanayakkararemarked that a friend in need is a friend indeed. Whenever Sri Lanka faces hardship, our Chinese friends are always among the first to extend a helping hand.The people of Sri Lanka and China share deep bonds and heartfelt connections, and our friendship has stood the test of time. Today, these heartfelt packages of stationery and food are yet another testament to the enduring friendship between our two nations.China, too, is a country that has emerged from poverty. Through perseverance and tireless efforts, the Chinese people have created a development miracle that has inspired the world. This gives us even more confidence that, with the support of our Chinese friends, Sri Lanka can also overcome its challenges and achieve prosperity—ensuring a brighter future for our children.May the friendship between China and Sri Lanka continue to surge forward like an unstoppable tide!

Teachers and students of the schools warmly welcomed the groupfrom the Embassy with songs and dances. They expressed heartfelt gratitude for China’s kindness that transcends mountains and seas, saying they would always cherish this friendship and try their best to carry it forward and contribute to the lasting bond between the two nations.