On Friday, India’s “neighborhood first” policy was once again put into action to help Sri Lanka during its economic crisis as its High Commissioner to Colombo, Gopal Baglay, handed over 3.3 tons of essential medical supplies to the 1990 Suwaseriya Ambulance Service.
The External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, visited the Suwaseriya Headquarters in Colombo in March 2022 and was informed of the looming shortage of medical supplies faced by the Foundation. According to the High Commission, the Indian Naval Ship Gharial was specially deployed for the consignment of urgent medical needs.
Along with the Suwaseriya Foundation, INS Gharial also carried the medical supplies for Teaching Hospital, General Hospital Hambantota, Jaffna, Peradeniya, and Teaching Hospital.
Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka tweeted, “Another promise to the people of #SriLanka delivered! During his visit in March, EAM @DrJaishankar was apprised of the shortage of medicines faced by @1990SuwaSeriya. High Commissioner handed over 3.3 tons of medical supplies today to help the vital lifeline run smoothly”.
In the last two months, the Government of India has donated more than 25 tons of drugs and medical supplies worth about SLR 370 million. Additional humanitarian supplies like rice, milk powder, and kerosene were included in addition to the USD 3.5 billion in economic assistance.
