The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy hospital ship Peace Ark, in Colombo to provide free medical services to local residents, has won wide recognition from both leaders and the people of Sri Lanka for its medical expertise, meticulous treatment and dedication to patients.

The ship has been on a week-long friendly visit, from Dec 21, at the port of Colombo.

"This visit of the hospital ship has enhanced the mutual understanding between our two sides," Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said after her visit to the ship on Tuesday.

"On behalf of the Sri Lankan government and people, I would like to thank the Peace Ark for its visit to Sri Lanka," the prime minister was quoted by China Military Online as saying.

During the visit, the hospital ship's main platform was used to provide medical services and deploy medical teams to carry out rounds. Its crew also took part in various recreational and sports activities with Sri Lankan navy personnel.

Amarasuriya met Chinese doctors on the ship during her onboard visit, listening with great interest to the introduction of the medical services provided by the Peace Ark and visiting various departments.

The Peace Ark displays the goodwill of the Chinese people to Sri Lankans, she said, emphasizing the importance of these kinds of exchanges and activities in strengthening relations between the two countries and improving public health, reported local news outlet The Island Online.

The prime minister held conversations with local residents who came to see the doctors, observing their diagnosis and treatment with Chinese medical resources.

Advanced equipment

The ship's medical staff members also displayed to the Sri Lankan side advanced medical equipment developed by China. Amarasuriya was particularly impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities onboard as well as the skills of the Chinese medical teams.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, who was also present during the visit of the Sri Lankan prime minister, said the ship's mission bolsters ties between Sri Lanka and China.

Indrananda Abeysekera, president of the Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation, said it is no secret that China has always used its capabilities and programs for the benefit of not only itself but also the world.

"This ship takes China's kindness, support, friendship and love as well as its responsibility to the world," he said.

"China has always helped Sri Lanka. At this moment I recall China's medical assistance to Sri Lanka, particularly those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic."

This is the second time the ship has visited Sri Lanka, following a visit in 2017.

Abeysekera said, "As an organization for people-to-people friendship with China, the Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation headed by me, would like to pay gratitude to the government of the People's Republic of China and the relevant agencies for arranging this important ship coming to Sri Lanka to supply medical services to the people."

In particular, such a ship provides an exchange of medical expertise, maintains naval cooperation and creates an environment for promoting people-to-people friendship and related cultural exchanges, Abeysekera added.

vivienxu@chinadailyapac.com