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Friday Dec 13, 2024
Tuesday, 24 May 2016 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
In response to the request for assistance made by the Government of Sri Lanka and as an expression of its solidarity, Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced on 19 May that India would provide aid on emergency basis to help assist those affected by the floods and landslides in various parts of Sri Lanka.
Pursuant to this commitment, India dispatched two ships of the Indian Navy from Kochi on the morning of 20 May, carrying various relief supplies. The same day, an Indian Air Force C-17 transport aircraft was also sent with additional supplies.
The C-17 aircraft, carrying around 50 tons of relief material, landed at Katunayake airport. Its cargo included 700 tents, 1,000 tarpaulin sheets, 10 electric generators, 100 emergency lamps and medication against epidemics for 10,000 people, apart from torches, rain coats, umbrellas, folding mattresses, water filters and water purification equipment. These had been identified as priority relief materials by Sri Lankan authorities.
In a simple ceremony at Katunayake Airport, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Shri Y. K. Sinha handed over the relief materials to Minister of Disaster Management Anura Priyadarshana Yapa. Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Gagan Bulathsingha, Ministry of Disaster Management Secretary S. S. Miyanawala and other senior officials of Sri Lankan Government and Air Force were also present on the occasion.
Separately, the two Indian Navy Ships (INS Sutlej and INS Sunayna) docked at Colombo Port. Their cargo of over 30 tons was handed over by Sinha to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harsha de Silva.
This included inflatable boats, diving equipment, medical supplies, drinking water, water purification tablets, rations and consumables.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary Chitranganee Wagiswara and senior officials from Sri Lanka Navy were also present on the occasion.
Sri Lanka occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of Indians, and India’s emergency relief assistance is a manifestation of its abiding friendship. India said it would continue to work closely with the Government of Sri Lanka to address longer-term rehabilitation needs of the affected people as part of its development partnership with Sri Lanka.
