Apr 07, Colombo: India today gifted a 10 tonne consignment of essential lifesaving medicines to the Government of Sri Lanka, in view of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

The consignment was brought to Sri Lanka by an Air India Special Charter flight today.

The medicines have been requested by Government of Sri Lanka, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.

“This is yet another manifestation of India’s unwavering commitment to stand with Sri Lanka, in rain and in shine. Despite its own domestic challenges and constraints, India has always believed in sharing its resources and expertise with its friends and partners,” the High Commission said in a statement.

It may also be recalled that at the initiative of Prime Minister of India, a SAARC Leaders Video Conference was held on 15 March 2020 to discuss ways to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. India also pledged US$ 10 million to the SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund.

Subsequently, a Video Conference of health professionals in SAARC countries was held on 26 March 2020. Ministry of Health of India has also started offering online training sessions for health professionals in SAARC countries. SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC) situated in Gandhinagar, Gujarat has also developed a dedicated webpage pertaining to the COVID-19 situation in SAARC Member States [http://www.covid19-sdmc.org/]. Sri Lanka has been a valuable partner in all these initiatives.