KANDY, Sri Lanka — China’s ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, said on Saturday that Sri Lanka would not face a fuel shortage despite mounting global uncertainty linked to the conflict in the Middle East, offering strong assurances of continued Chinese support.
Speaking to reporters after attending a program to distribute dry rations to 350 low-income families at Sri Chandananda Buddhist College in Kandy, the ambassador said that while several countries were experiencing disruptions to fuel supply, Sri Lanka’s position remained secure.
“Some countries are facing challenges due to the evolving situation in the Middle East,” he said. “However, we can firmly assure that such a situation will not arise in Sri Lanka.”
He added that China stood ready to provide assistance at any time, and that in the event of supply pressures, operations could be supported through Sinopec, the Chinese energy company currently operating in Sri Lanka, to ensure continuity in fuel distribution.
The remarks come as concerns grow worldwide over the potential impact of instability in the Middle East — a region central to global energy supplies — on fuel availability and prices.
Reaffirming Beijing’s position, Ambassador Qi said China remained committed to supporting Sri Lanka through any economic challenges, citing the long-standing relationship between the two countries. “Based on our enduring friendship, China will continue to stand with Sri Lanka in difficult times,” he said, adding that the public should not be alarmed about fuel supply.
In a broader reflection on the regional crisis, the ambassador also called for a permanent ceasefire in the Middle East, urging all parties to move beyond temporary truces toward sustained peace.
He pointed to a recently proposed five-point initiative by China and Pakistan calling for a ceasefire, renewed dialogue and broader measures to stabilize the region.
“The ceasefire is a beginning; it is good,” he said. “But it must lead to something lasting.”
China, he added, hoped that all parties would honor their commitments and ensure that ceasefire arrangements become the foundation for long-term stability rather than short-lived pauses in hostilities.
The ambassador reiterated that China would continue to support Sri Lanka’s economic stability and development, while remaining prepared to respond to any further fallout from the Middle East crisis.
