ECONOMYNEXT – A 15,000-metric ton shipment of rice, milk powder and essential medicines worth over three billion Sri Lankan rupees arrived in Colombo as part of a Indian humanitarian aid package to cash-strapped Sri Lanka as the island nation goes through its worst ever forex crisis.
The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka tweeted Friday June 24 afternoon that more aid will follow.
From the people of #India to the people of #SriLanka!!! High Commissioner,Hon’ble Ministers @Keheliya_R, Nalin Fernando, MPs, various dignitaries and officials welcomed a large humanitarian consignment worth more than SLR 3 billion from #Tuticorn today. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/pMOF8kJppx
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) June 24, 2022
This is the second such shipment to arrive from Tamil Nadu, India, since Sri Lanka defaulted on foreign debt as the country’s foreign reserves depleted making it difficult to pay for imports including essentials.
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Indian shipment of rice, milk powder, medicines worth 2bn arrive in Sri Lanka
Friday’s donation, worth over 8.3 million US dollars, was ceremoniously handed over to Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security Nalin Fernando and other officials.
Indian media reported that the shipment had set off from Tuticorin on Wednesday June 22.
The Tamil Nadu state assembly passed a resolution on April 29 to provide assistance to Sri Lanka. The Times of India reported that the Tamil Nadu government has promised total aid worth over 15.7 million US dollars. (Colombo/Jun24/2022)
