Pakistan airlifted 25 metric tonnes of rice for the people hit by a severe drought in Sri Lanka.

The Foreign Office said in a statement that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had directed authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the government and the people affected by severe drought in Sri Lanka.

“Consequently, an aircraft carrying 25 MT rice has left for Colombo today,” the statement said.

The Foreign Office said the government and the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly people of Sri Lanka in this hour of need.

It said Pakistan will continue to provide all possible support to the drought hit people of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is suffering its worst drought in four decades, according to officials, with more than a million people experiencing acute water shortages.

The lack of rain last year has lowered water levels in rivers in parts of the country

The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Maj Gen (r) Syed Shakeel Hussain, handed over the relief consignment to Sri Lankan authorities at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, on Wednesday.

On the occasion, the high commissioner reiterated the resolve of the people and the government of Pakistan to stand by the people of Sri Lanka. 

He further stated Pakistan will spare no efforts to carry out the assistance and help for their Sri Lankan brethren. “Both of our countries have always reciprocated in the same manner at the time of need since the inception of our diplomatic relations,” he further added.

-Agencies