New Delhi: India has sent around three tonnes of anti tuberculosis medicines to Sri Lanka as part of its continued support for the country’s public healthcare system.
The medicines were transported to Colombo aboard an Indian Air Force C130J aircraft. The latest assistance adds to a series of Indian backed healthcare and development initiatives in Sri Lanka.
Earlier this month, construction began on a new two storey Accident and Emergency Unit at the District General Hospital in Mannar. The project is being supported through an Indian grant of 600 million Sri Lankan rupees and will also include essential medical equipment to improve emergency care.
The foundation stone ceremony was attended by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha.
India has also supported community development projects across Sri Lanka. On September 4, the 21st Model Village, named Suhadagama, was inaugurated in Polonnaruwa. The project is part of a wider initiative covering all 25 districts of Sri Lanka and is supported through Indian grant assistance.
The latest medical consignment comes as India and Sri Lanka continue to expand cooperation across healthcare, education, infrastructure, science, technology and community development.
In August, officials from both countries reviewed ongoing initiatives under the India Sri Lanka Foundation during its 41st Board Meeting in New Delhi. The foundation, established in 1998 through an agreement between the two governments, supports projects aimed at strengthening economic, scientific, educational, technical and cultural cooperation.
The latest shipment of tuberculosis medicines highlights the continuing focus on healthcare assistance and people centric development as part of the broader India Sri Lanka partnership.
