Donations of Rs. 5 million each by the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya and the Trade Association of the Rangiri Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre have been handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a release.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ministers Dinesh Gunawardena and Janaka Bandara Tennakoon were also present on this occasion.

Other donations made to the COVID-19 Fund included Rs. 50,000 by former Provincial Council Minister Mr. A.M.A. Manel Bandara, Rs.16,500 by Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha Member Mr. Manel Karunawansa, Rs.500,000 by Mr. Sarath Karunarathne, Rs. 1 million by NEC Lanka Industries and Rs.100,000 each by Mr. Udara Gintota and Mr. Mahesh Dias.     

With corporate and individual donations and direct deposits, the COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund’s balance has now surpassed Rs. 915 million.

At the request of the Private Secretary to the President Mr. Sugeeshwara Bandara, Mr. Ranjan De Silva and Teledrama producer Mr. Roshan Wellapuli handed over three mobile phones to the Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital, Mr. Chandana Gajanayake this afternoon to use them for clinical activities of the hospital.

All the donations will be credited to the special account opened under the number 85737373 at the Corporate Branch of the Bank of Ceylon.

Local, as well as foreign donors, have made their contributions to the Fund. Donations to COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund have been exempted from taxes and foreign exchange regulations. Deposits can be made through cheques or telegraphic transfers, the PMD added

Further details can be obtained from Mr. K.B. Egodawele, Director General (Administration) of the Presidential Secretariat through the telephone number 011 2354479 / 011 2354354.