Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga Wednesday said the Sri Lankan people are "very thankful" for the relief efforts China has made for the tsunami-hit nation.

In an interview with Xinhua, the president said China was among the nations which offered the helping hands first.

China has sent a huge batch of relief goods to Sri Lanka and a medical team to the affected area, which was very helpful for the rescue progress, said the president.

She said the country's infrastructure has been enormously damaged by the tsunami waves so that more aid from the international community is needed.

"China is always the trustworthy friend of Sri Lanka and the friendship will be lasting," the president said.

Sri Lankan president receives Chinese delegation

Receiving a Chinese official delegation led by vice foreign minister Wu Dawei, the president said, "China has always been stretching its helping hands to Sri Lanka when needed in the past several decades."

The Sri Lankan people are grateful for China's help, she said, pledging Sri Lanka will use the Chinese aid effectively and properly.

Wu told the president that the Chinese government and the people are deeply concerned about the tsunami aftermath in Sri Lanka and will continue to offer help.

The delegation arrived here Monday and had visited the affected areas.

Earlier, it had also met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar.