German investments to provide free air and land ambulance service in Sri Lanka

Two giant European industry leaders, Airbus and Mercedes-Benz, have agreed to invest in an air and land ambulance service in Sri Lanka, Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said yesterday.

Senaratne, who is on a visit to Germany, was given the assurance on the investment when he met with representatives of the two companies and German Government Economic and Finance grant bank officers on Tuesday (16 May).

Airbus Company in Germany has agreed to provide 24 helicopters to transport patients at times of natural disasters and calamities.

Senaratne said that Benz Company has agreed to provide 1,050 ambulances and 240 Emergency disaster vehicles.

The 1990 free ambulance service funded by the Indian Government, currently operating only in Southern and Western Provinces, provides a great service to the people.

Apprising the German delegation about the need of such a service, the Minister appreciated the support of Germany for starting an ambulance service such as the one provided by India.

Senaratne said the project is a low interest investment and it will be started soon.

The human capital needed for the service will be from Sri Lanka and Benz Company has agreed to provide them with the necessary training.