Australia-Sri Lanka Defence cooperation in response to COVID-19

Saturday, 22 August 2020 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

On 14 August Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka David Holly and Australian Defence Adviser Group Captain Sean Unwin handed over Australian Department of Defence supplied Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.

At the handover ceremony, High Commissioner Holly said, “The Australia Department of Defence is pleased to support Sri Lanka’s armed forces in their effort to counter COVID-19 by providing much needed equipment to protect those on the frontline. This consignment further strengthens our strong partnership with the Sri Lankan Navy, and demonstrates our commitment and shared interests on maritime security in our region.”

The PPE consisted of 12,000 high quality coveralls and 200,000 gloves manufactured in Sri Lanka by Australian firm Ansell with a value of $ 130,000, and will support Sri Lanka’s efforts to minimise further transmission of COVID-19. This is the second consignment of Australian Department of Defence funded PPE delivered to Sri Lanka Armed Forces.

Australia has committed AUD 4 million to support to Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 response including support to the Ministry of Health to strengthen national laboratories, crucial food and hygiene items to Sri Lankan communities and activities to support economic recovery.