Beijing, Jan 18 (IANS): The Chinese government has donated $3 million for flood relief in Sri Lanka, an official has revealed.
"China and Sri Lanka are good friends and neighbours. The Chinese government is committed to supporting the Sri Lankan people and government," Shanghai Daily quoted Ren Faqiang, deputy head of mission at the Chinese embassy at Colombo, as saying.
Torrential rains triggered floods in late December that swept over many parts of the island nation, leaving over 30 people dead.
Sri Lankan authorities said nearly 800,000 people were affected and nearly 80,000 displaced had to be housed in shelters.
"We must work to be prepared for disasters of this magnitude. I thank the Chinese government for its assistance and continued support in Sri Lanka's times of need," Sri Lanka's Public Peace, Disaster Management and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga said Friday in his first speech as minister.