The Deputy High Commissioner of India in Colombo Vinod Jacob today (11) made a token handover of the fourth consignment of essential medicines and medical items to Sri Lanka.

Minister of Foreign Relations Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Health and Indigenous Medical Services Pavithra Wanniarachchi, and Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha at the Ministry of Foreign Relations received the token on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka.

The consignment, which consists of around 12.5 tonnes of medicines and equipment arrived on a special Indian flight, marks Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to assist the neighboring and partner countries to combat COVID-19 pandemic, stated the High Commission of India.

Following the symbolic handing-over event, the Deputy High Commissioner called on the Foreign Relations Minister for a brief meeting to review the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the fields of politics, trade, tourism, health, and regional affairs.

The Foreign Relations Minister appreciated the continued support of India in sharing vital resources including medical supplies as donations in the current period of common challenges. Minister Gunawardena expressed gratitude to the Indian Government for expeditious action in relation to the repatriation of Sri Lankan nationals in India in the midst of a national lockdown.