Feb 08, Colombo: The Government of Switzerland has contributed Swiss Francs (CHF) 500,000 (approximately Rs. 199 million) through UNICEF to meet the urgent needs of children impacted by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.

With this funding, UNICEF will procure essential medical supplies, including medicines for treatment of illnesses and complications among children and women. In education, the funds will help children in disadvantaged schools continue learning and support catch-up classes to recover learning loss, including by providing transport allowance to teachers and daily snacks to students.

UNICEF will also support case management for children facing violence, neglect and family separation, including children with a disability.

“UNICEF and partners swiftly responded to the needs of the most vulnerable children from the outset of the economic crisis last year, with thanks to the support of donors. This contribution from the Swiss government and people is crucial in sustaining the response and protecting children from the effects of the crisis as it continues”, said Christian Skoog, Representative, UNICEF Sri Lanka.

The Swiss contribution will also be used to support data collection and analysis to assess the impact of the on-going crisis on households’ social and economic well-being and vulnerabilities, to help national and development partners put in place effective response strategies.

“Switzerland has worked closely with many partners, including UNICEF in addressing the needs of communities during crises such as the one that Sri Lanka faces now. This support demonstrates our long-standing cooperation with the people of Sri Lanka”, said Dr. Dominik Furgler, Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

UNICEF has issued an appeal for resources in 2023 to help 2.4 million most vulnerable children receive nutrition support, healthcare, clean drinking water, mental health services and continue learning.