PROMPT and official assistance from the Government of the People's Republic was received in cash, kind and relief services following the tsunami disaster which affected Sri Lanka.
The people of China including the Special Administration Region of Hong Kong have contributed over Rs. 165,000,000 towards relief efforts through organisations like the China Charity Federation, the China Red Cross, the China Disabled Persons Federation, World Vision as well as private donations from schoolchildren, artists and entertainers.
A special display and sale of Sri Lankan gems and jewellery was organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing on March 04.
For the specific benefit of the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry Seva Vanitha Project for a Children's Home in association with SOS Children's Villages.
Wives and daughters of ambassadors and diplomats of several countries and international organisations accredited to Beijing participated. They modelled jewellery designed by the Chinese company, Lordspek International made with Sri Lanka gems, as well as Sri Lankan-made traditional and contemporary jewellery.
The wives of Ambassadors of Albania, Algeria, Austria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Iceland, Morocco, Italy and the United States of America wore their own national dress with matching Sri Lankan jewellery and gems.
With their Sri Lankan jewellery, wives of Ambassadors of Bangladesh, Chile, Estonia, Malaysia, Mozambique, Singapore and Sweden wore Sri Lankan sarees. They included the "upcountry" saree, the Kandyan saree and the saree worn in Tamil style.
Wives of representatives of the World Bank, the WHO and CNN also modelled. The daughters of the UN Resident Representative in Beijing wore bridal sarees and the traditional Sri Lankan jewellery, representing both the Sinhala and Tamil communities. The wife of the Indian Ambassador was the compere.
Chinese film star Xu Jinglei who won the Best Directors Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival last year also volunteered support for the Sri Lanka project and tsunami relief. She expressed her interest in promoting Sri Lankan tourism and will visit Sri Lanka soon.
Xu has been designated Honorary Goodwill Ambassador for the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. Apart from being the lead actress in the award winning film. Letter from an Unknown Woman, she is also its producer, script writer and director.
Jewellery specially designed for her in the film is to be auctioned as a further benefit for the Seva Vanitha project. Cathy Mao of Lordspek International made a presentation with Chinese models displaying uncut Sri Lankan gems.
She explained the value and special characteristics of Sri Lankan gems, tracing the history of Sri Lanka's gem trade with China from at least the time of the Tang Dynasty.
A raffle held on the occasion netted proceeds of over Rs. 580,000. Prizes were return air tickets to Sri Lanka, Europe, ladies' wrist watches and premium quality Sri Lanka tea.
Video clips, courtesy of Rupavahini, featured children in Sri Lanka recovering from the tsunami and clips of Baby 81.
Dharmadasa Wanniarachchi, Governor, North Western Province and R.D. Wimaladasa, Provincial Minister of Agriculture were present as special guests with their delegation. They were in transit in Beijing on their way to Shangdong Province on the invitation from the Governor of Shangdong.
Among the invited audience of over 300, were senior Chinese Government and Red Cross officials, diplomats, business people and members of the media.
Khalid
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