On November 1, 2026, the first bridge construction ceremony of China's emergency aid project for post disaster bridge reconstruction in Sri Lanka was held in the western city of Gampoha. Ambassador Wei Huaxiang, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimar Ratnayak, Minister of Labor and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayanta Fernando attended and delivered speeches. Counselor Tang Yandi in charge of economic and commercial work, leaders of the Sri Lanka Highway Bureau, representatives of Chinese management units and construction enterprises, and local residents attended the event.

Anil sincerely thanks the Chinese government and people for their generous assistance and professional support. Chinese aid will help Sri Lanka move from "stability" to "transformation" to address global challenges, and Sri Lanka will make every effort to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.

On behalf of the Sri Lankan government and people, Bimar thanks China for its long-standing deep friendship and extensive support. We are well aware of the serious damage that natural disasters can cause to public infrastructure, and the construction of roads and bridges is crucial for us, which is currently facing difficulties. We are pleased to see two large enterprises involved. The project will not only connect communities, but also enhance economic resilience and effectively benefit the people of Fox.

Ambassador Wei stated that China and Sri Lanka uphold the spirit of rice glue and always stand firmly together when each other needs it the most. In the future, we need to deepen the strategic partnership of sincere mutual assistance and intergenerational friendship, jointly build a community of shared future between China and Sri Lanka, and bring greater benefits to the two peoples. At the groundbreaking ceremony, both parties signed a project proposal exchange letter and donated materials such as backpacks and stationery bags to local elementary school students.Editor/Gong Ziwei