Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga Wednesday said the
Sri Lankan people are "very thankful" for the relief efforts China has made for
the tsunami-hit nation.
In an interview with Xinhua, the president said China was among the nations
which offered the helping hands first.
China has sent a huge batch of relief goods to Sri Lanka and a medical team
to the affected area, which was very helpful for the rescue progress, said the
president.
She said the country's infrastructure has been enormously damaged by the
tsunami waves so that more aid from the international community is needed.
"China is always the trustworthy friend of Sri Lanka and the friendship will
be lasting," the president said.