International relief continues following weather disaster in Sri Lanka

(PRESS RELEASE) - The International community has been continuously extending assistance following the inclement weather that wrecked havoc in the country last week Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake says 18 countries have already taken steps to provide assistance in many forms. The minister stated these views at a media conference held in Colombo after he received the stock of relief goods transported by the 3rd Indian relief vessel ‘Jalashwa’ at the Colombo Port, Tuesday. The goods were officially handed over to Minister Karunanayake by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Among the relief stock are: dry rations, drinking water, rescue operation equipment and power generators. Simultaneously, a mobile hospital unit, a team of doctors, a team of expert divers and two emergency helicopters have also been transported by Vessel Jalashwa. Meanwhile, the government of Israel has also handed over a stock of relief goods to the government. Israeli Ambassador to India and Sri Lanka Daniel Carmon who met the Foreign Minister handed over the goods Tuesday afternoon. The Israeli Ambassador who extended sympathies of the Israeli government and its people over the destruction caused by the weather disaster to the affected families in Sri Lanka said that his country is ready to give Sri Lanka any support at any required time. Among the goods handed over to the government by Israel are, power generators and high powered electric lamps. Meanwhile a Pakistani relief Vessel TNS Zulfiquar, which is carrying a stock of relief goods for the displaced people in Sri Lanka, docked in Colombo Port this afternoon. Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake officially received the stock of relief goods from Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Dr.

Sarfraz Ahmad Khan Sipra. The stock included medicine, medical equipment, dry rations, power generators and water pumps. A team of doctors also travelled to the country to join relief operations in the affected areas.

Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake further said that the government expects monetary assistance as well besides relief goods.