The Chinese government has made a special diplomatic contribution to Sri Lanka in appreciation of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) ‘Samagi Jana Balawegayen Husmak,’ an initiative introduced by Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa aimed at improving the Health Sector amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Accordingly, the Chinese government has expressed its satisfaction and pleasure for the SJB’s contribution to the country’s Health Sector and provided financial assistance of Rs. 19.6 million for the Kidney Dialysis Machine, an equipment considered essential for testing kidney related diseases, today (22).
According to a Chinese delegation, the above assistance was a donation and not a debt.
During the discussions with China in search of support, the Opposition Leader had repeatedly urged that the people of his country be given a donation instead of a debt. Impressed by the transparency of the SJB-led initiative, the Chinese government had agreed to support the country financially via a donation instead of a debt.
Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong commented that he had observed that the Opposition-led initiative has been providing essential hospital equipment in a very transparent, systematic and optimal manner.
“Ambassador Qi Zhenhong today (22 Dec) handed over a donation of 8 lifesaving Kidney Dialysis Machines worth of Rs. 20 million to needy hospitals in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, upon a request by Hon. Sajith Premadasa Leader of the Opposition,” the Chinese Embassy said in a statement.
The “Samagi Jana Balawegayen Husmak” initiative is supported and funded by the efforts of the SJB Parliamentary Group, organisers, local and overseas members and donors with the aim of promoting and protecting the lives of Sri Lankans through the provision of life saving medical equipment to the government hospital sector amid the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Earlier, the initiative donated medical equipment worth Rs. 101.6 million on 34 phases.
MIAP
