The All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF) has extended a major donation valued at 1,000,000 RMB (around Rs. 43 million) to bolster programmes aimed at improving the welfare of women and children in Sri Lanka.
The consignment includes equipment to establish a mother-and-baby room and a childcare centre for staff of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, as well as women’s hygiene products, to be distributed islandwide through the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus.
The donation was officially handed over yesterday at a ceremony held at the Parliament complex under the patronage of Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong presented the materials to the Speaker and to the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, and Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, Saroja Savithri Paulraj.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Wickramaratne said the gesture reflects the “deep and longstanding friendship” between the two nations, adding that the wellbeing of women and children remains a shared priority. He extended his gratitude to the ACWF for its continued support.
Minister Paulraj described the donation as a “timely and meaningful contribution,” noting that the materials will strengthen ongoing efforts to uplift women and children, especially those in vulnerable communities.
Ambassador Qi Zhenhong reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s social development efforts, highlighting the historic ties between the two countries. He said the ACWF’s contribution aligns with China’s broader cooperation initiatives in women’s empowerment and child welfare.
The donation follows high-level discussions between the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the ACWF in 2023 and 2024, during which China pledged assistance for school uniforms and future empowerment programmes.
Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara, Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General Chaminda Kularatna, Director Finance Sarath Kumara, Coordinating Engineer Lalith Adhikari and several officials attended the ceremony.
