The cargo sent in 48 containers from China is destined for 7,900 schools in Sri Lanka and will support the school meal program to provide daily nutritious meals to 1.1 million children for six months, The Morning reported.

Sri Lanka’s vulnerable population, especially children from low-income families, suffer the most in the island nation’s ongoing economic crisis, Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said.

Two other shipments of rice donations will arrive in Sri Lanka in the first and second weeks of July, the diplomat noted.

In addition, the Chinese Embassy is discussing with the local Ministry of Education some ways to provide school uniforms for Sri Lankan students in the new school year.

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