国内英语新闻:Chinese FM expresses condolences over Sri Lanka flood disaster

BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday sent a message to his Sri Lankan counterpart Mangala Samaraweera, extending condolences over the flash floods and landslides hitting the island country.

In the message, Wang expressed deep sympathy to the Sri Lankan government and people in the stricken area and conveyed profound condolences to the victims of the disaster.

As China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbors, the Chinese people are deeply affected by the disaster sustained by the Sri Lankan people as if they have experienced it themselves, Wang said.

"We believe that under the leadership of the Sri Lankan government, the people of Sri Lanka will definitely be able to overcome difficulties and the disaster," he added.

Wang also expressed China's willingness to offer any assistance it can to help Sri Lanka cope with the disaster.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross Society of China has donated a sum of 50,000 U.S. dollars in cash to Sri Lanka.

Since Monday, at least 64 people have died from floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains, and around half a million people have been driven from home.