Second consignment of Indonesia humanitarian aid arrives in Sri Lanka
The second consignment of Indonesia humanitarian aid of essential medicines, health supplements for cancer patients and medical devices arrived in Sri Lanka.
The consignment arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), in Katunayake on Sunday afternoon on a SriLankan Airlines flight.
The consignment is part of Indonesia’s humanitarian aid that previously arrived in Sri Lanka on April 28, 2022.
This second batch fulfills the two consignments of the total 3.1 tons with value of USD 1.6 million of Indonesia Humanitarian Assistance to Sri Lanka.
The overall aid was symbolically handed over on Thursday (28/04) by the Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Dewi Gustina Tobing, to the Minister of Health of Sri Lanka, Prof. Channa Jayasumana, who was also accompanied by the WHO Representative to Sri Lanka, Dr. Alaka Singh, and the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr. Asela Gunawardana.
During the handover, Minister Jayasumana expressed its gratitude and high appreciation to the Indonesian government and pharmaceutical industry for responding to the request in a short time. WHO Sri Lanka also commended the Government of Indonesia and other relevant parties in the two countries who had coordinated very well and intensively to successfully collect and send the aid in a short time.
In total, there are 10 types of cytostatic drugs, 1 type of supplement for cancer patients, and 8 types of medical devices, including the Precut Silk & T-Silk Non Absorbable Suture as requested by the Government of Sri Lanka.
The Indonesian government, supported by the Indonesian pharmaceutical manufacturers, was the first country to give a positive response at the request of the Sri Lankan government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, and the WHO. The quick responses from all stakeholders in Indonesia show the thoughtfulness of Indonesia towards Sri Lanka and their understanding of the urgency and the importance of the said essential medicines and medical equipment to the people of Sri Lanka.
The long-standing, strong bond relations between Indonesia and Sri Lanka have been proven throughout their long history since many centuries ago and became stronger with the establishment of the diplomatic relations in the year 1952. As both countries commemorate the 70th diplomatic anniversary this year, this aid signifies the strong friendship between the two countries.
The Aid is distributed by the Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka to several government hospitals such as the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), Colombo South Teaching Hospital (Kalubowila), the National Cancer Institute (Apeksha hospital) and other hospitals on a priority basis. WHO ensured to oversee the distribution of Indonesian aid to those in need in Sri Lanka. (Colombo Gazette)
