Tatsat Chronicle Magazine

India Supplies 3.3 Tonnes Medical Aid to Sri Lanka

June 4, 2022
Sri Lanka

India on Friday delivered 3.3 tonnes of medical supplies to a free pre-hospital ambulance service in Sri Lanka, which was launched in 2016 with its assistance and played a key role in the island nation’s fight against Covid-19.

“Another promise to the people of #SriLanka delivered!!! During his visit in March, EAM @DrSJaishankar was apprised of shortages of medicines faced by @1990SuwaSeriya. High Commissioner handed over 3.3 tonnes of medical supplies today to help the vital lifeline run smoothly,” the Indian High Commission in Colombo tweeted.

“This is part of over SLR 370 mn medical aid delivered from India in the last two months. Happy to have supported the Service since its beginning with gifts of ambulances from India,” it said.

In 2016, the Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service was launched with a grant of IND 7.6 million. India has also provided free ambulances to the service which now operates in all the provinces of Sri Lanka and has been instrumental in the fight against COVID 19.

During his visit to Sri Lanka in March, External Affairs Minister S Jayashankar visited the Subha Seria Ambulance Service in 1990 and praised the work and success of the ambulance service, which has played a vital role in saving lives, especially during Covid.

Last week, India donated a humanitarian cargo containing 25 tonnes of medical supplies and kerosene for the use of the Sri Lankan people.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has also instructed officials to use Rs 1.8 billion from the Covid-19 Medical Care and Social Security Fund to import essential medicines as the country faces a deficit.