The decision to prepare the art works and the letter was entirely the idea of the Sri Lankan students, who learned about the virus through social media and news, and felt sad for their friends in China, the teacher said.

Drawing doctors and patients in China and the Sri Lankan people, the students also wrote "China" in Chinese and "Stay Strong China" on their paintings.

"The doctors in China are working so hard to cure all the patients," Upekshani said, adding that China has rapidly built hospitals and provided treatment for the patients.

A few days after the letter and the art works were handed to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, the students received a reply letter from Peng, who expressed her appreciation for their support and encouraged them to help contribute to the China-Sri Lanka friendship.

Describing receiving Peng's letter as a dream come true, Nethmini Divyanjalee, a student, said "we never expected that we would receive her response. I am very happy."