May 21, Colombo: A large humanitarian grant assistance consignment worth more than Rs. 2 billion from the people of India is scheduled to reach Colombo on Saturday (22 May 2022), the High Commission of India in Colombo said.

High Commissioner Gopal Baglay will hand over the consignment, which consists of 9,000 metric tons (MT) of rice, 50 MT of milk powder and more than 25 MT of drugs and other medical supplies, to the senior leadership of Government of Sri Lanka.

The consignment has been flagged off from Chennai port by Thiru M.K Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on 18 May 2022.

This is the first incoming consignment under a larger commitment of 40,000 MT of rice, 500 MT of milk powder and medicines by Government of Tamil Nadu. This commitment translates to more than Rs. 5.5 billion.

The incoming consignment shall be distributed among beneficiaries across the country including Northern, Eastern, Central and Western Provinces by Government of Sri Lanka. These beneficiaries cover diverse sections of the society.

The assistance from people of India complements multi-pronged efforts undertaken by Government of India by standing with their brethren in Sri Lanka.

Several private and social organizations from India have sent assistance to Sri Lanka to meet various urgent requirements. This outpouring of support for Sri Lanka among common Indians is apart from the economic assistance by Government of India which has been to the tune of around USD 3.5 billion since January this year. In addition, medicines, dry rations etc. have also been sent by Government of India on grant basis.