During his visit to the Malwatte Temple, China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Sun Weidong, expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s ability to overcome the current economic crisis and embark on a path of development. He assured that China would provide the necessary support to aid in this endeavor.
Vice Minister Sun emphasized the role of Buddhism in fostering strong relations between the two countries and expressed China’s commitment to further nurturing this friendship in the future. His visit to the temple included receiving blessings from the Chief Prelate of the Malwatte Chapter, Most Venerable Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Nayake Thera.
Highlighting the significance of Sri Lanka within the land route of the Silk Road, Vice Minister Sun stated that China considers the country to occupy a crucial position. He reaffirmed China’s track record of assisting Sri Lanka during times of economic difficulties and assured that such support would continue in the future.
Vice Minister Sun also mentioned that seven Chinese temples had taken the initiative to provide dry food items to 20,000 monks and 50,000 economically disadvantaged families in Sri Lanka. He expressed the intention to implement similar programs in the future.
The Chief Prelate of the Malwatte Chapter acknowledged the historical ties between Sri Lanka and China, attributing the strengthening of these relations to the arrival of Bikkhu Fa-Hsien. He also noted that the establishment of the Bikkhuni Sasana in Sri Lanka was a result of Chinese initiative.
Furthermore, the Chief Prelate expressed gratitude for China’s assistance through the Port City Project, emphasizing its immense value to Sri Lanka. He conveyed the country’s hope for continued support from China in the future.
The visit of China’s Vice Foreign Minister highlights the mutual commitment to economic cooperation and the preservation of cultural ties between China and Sri Lanka.
