US donates supplies to Sri Lanka to aid fight against COVID-19

Thursday, 19 March 2020 00:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B. Teplitz this week presented a donation of Dupont Tyvek coveralls, nitrile gloves, heavy duty work gloves, boot covers, and cleaning supplies to Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka Chairman Major General (Rtd) GA Chandrasiri at Bandaranaike International Airport on behalf of the American people.

The equipment will help protect airport personnel and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The donation is part of US efforts to assist Sri Lanka.

“We stand in solidarity with Sri Lanka as both our countries battle this global pandemic,” said Ambassador Teplitz. “Whatever the challenges, we’re ready to face them with Sri Lanka.” The United States has pledged to spend up to $ 100 million in existing funds to combat COVID-19 internationally, demonstrating continued US leadership in the global fight against infectious diseases.

“This commitment – along with the hundreds of millions generously donated by the American private sector – demonstrates strong US leadership in response to the outbreak,” US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo said when he announced the assistance.

In February, US organisations donated more than two million respirator masks, 11,000 protective suits and 280,000 pairs of nitrile gloves to China, where the virus originated.