May 29, 2022
2 mins read

Lanka’s ailing medical system gets a boost from India

A 25 ton consignment of drugs, including some life-saving medicines, valued at SLR 260 million were handed over to Sri Lanka, a report by Susitha Fernando

Sri Lanka’s medical system, ailing with the shortage of over 270 drugs including some life-saving medicines, received a boost on Friday with the receipt of a 25 ton consignment of drugs valued at SLR 260 million.

Acting Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Vinod K. Jacob handed over the consignment and other medical supplies donated by the Indian government to Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella in Colombo.

“Indian Naval Ship (INS) Gharial, a 5600 tons Landing Ship was deployed for the delivery of humanitarian assistance materials expeditiously as part of Mission SAGAR IX,” the High Commission said in a statement.

The medical consignment was donated in response to requests made by various organisations and hospitals spread across different parts of the country, it said.

“Another large consignment of medical supplies for use by Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya was earlier delivered on board INS Gharial on April 29, 2022. These humanitarian supplies are in continuation of Government of India’s ongoing support to the people of Sri Lanka in multiple forms such as financial assistance, forex support, material supply etc. These efforts testify Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy which places people-to-people engagement at its core.

“These are complemented by the people of India who have also been donating generously to their brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka. Ongoing commitment to the people of Sri Lanka attests to importance attached by the peoples of India and Sri Lanka for the well-being of each other,” the HC noted.

Faced with dollar crunch early this year, Sri Lanka, which was delaying opening of letters of credit (LoC) to import medicines and medical equipment, used India’s $1 billion credit line to open LoCs to purchase medicine among other essential items.

Since January, the Indian Ocean island nation’s closest neighbour has assisted it with over $3.5 billion financial support.

“I had a conversation with India’s Minister of Finance @nsitharaman today. I expressed our country’s appreciation for the support India has extended during this difficult period. I look forward to further strengthening ties between our nations,” Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe tweeted on Friday night.

He also thanked India and other Quad member countries for taking the lead in setting up the foreign aid consortium to help his country which faces its post-independence worst ever economic crisis.

“Assistance from India and Japan: I am grateful for the positive response from India and Japan on the proposal made for the Quad members (United States, India, Japan, and Australia) to take the lead in setting up a foreign aid consortium to assist Sri Lanka,” the PM tweeted.

ALSO READ: Modi assures India’s continued support for Sri Lanka

Previous Story

Palestinian teen killed, 90 injured in West Bank clashes

Next Story

‘India’s support has been critical’

Latest from -Top News

Islamists Rise Under Yunus Rule

After the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Islamic parties in Bangladesh, crushed for years by the Awami League government, have made inroads into the political arena…writes Baidya

TIES WITH CHINA: Is Bangladesh Going Lanka Way?

Plans for nine Special Economic Zones, including Chinese-developed sites in Chattogram and Chandpur, promise jobs but risk creating enclaves where Beijing’s economic priorities overshadow Bangladesh’s….reports Asian Lite News On a humid March

Khaleda Zia’s Son Return Looms as Yunus Faces Heat

The core question remains whether Rahman can provide leadership in politically turbulent times in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News Speculation is mounting in Bangladesh over the possible return of Tarique Rahman, son of

India Eyes Top 5 Spot in Global Entertainment

With focused investments, policy support, and infrastructural upgrades, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030…reports Asian Lite News Fueled by
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Lanka to join RCEP

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that Sri Lanka will work closely

Sri Lanka seeks India’s help with policy reforms

Lanka President urged the NCGG to help in establishing a