Three fishery harbors affected by the 2004 tsunami and
reconstructed by the Chinese government were handed over to the Sri
Lankan government on Friday.
In a simple ceremony held in Colombo, Chinese Ambassador Ye Dabo
said he was very happy to see the completion of reconstruction of
the Panadura, Beruwela and Kudawela fishery harbors located in Sri
Lanka's western and southern coasts.
He said although China is a developing country and its aid is
limited, the Chinese people are sincere and the Chinese government
has always honored its commitments.
"We are always ready to provide assistance for the economic and
social development of Sri Lanka, a time-honored fried of China, to
the best of our abilities," said the ambassador.
Sri Lankan Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera
expressed his government's gratitude to the aid provided by
China.
"Without the help of China and other friendly countries, it's
impossible to imagine how Sri Lanka can stand up from the
catastrophe," said Perera.
Commencing in early 2005, the three projects were completed
ahead of schedule with sound quality, said representatives from the
builder, China Harbor Engineering Company.
Fishery was among the major industries devastated by the 2004
tsunami, which killed nearly 40,000 people and left about one
million people homeless in the island.
(Xinhua News Agency December 29, 2007)
