The official ceremony to exchange certificates of agreement for the provision of school uniforms for the year 2026, as a grant from the Government of China, was held yesterday (Sep. 11) at the Ministry of Education in Battaramulla.
The agreement ensures that 4,418,404 students in government and government-aided schools will receive uniforms under the Chinese donation.
The event was presided over by Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Madura Seneviratne, and Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong.
The certificate of agreement was formally exchanged between Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa and Ambassador Qi.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Seneviratne said, “China donated 11.82 million meters of cloth to Sri Lanka for 2025, covering the entire national requirement and directly benefiting over 4.6 million students across the country. This contribution, valued at more than Rs. 5.17 billion, ensured that every child—from the youngest student to those preparing for national examinations—could pursue education with dignity and equality. A similar contribution for 2026 is deeply appreciated.”
The Deputy Minister further noted that China’s prompt decision to extend the donation for 2026 reflects the strong and enduring friendship between the two countries.
Officials from the Chinese Embassy in Colombo and the Ministry of Education also attended the ceremony.