The Government of India handed over a consignment of essential anti-tuberculosis (TB) medicines to the Government of Sri Lanka at the Ministry of Health in Colombo today.
The medicines were handed over by High Commissioner of India Santosh Jha to Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media of Sri Lanka. Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media, was also present, according to the High Commission of India in Colombo.
The assistance was provided in response to a request from the Government of Sri Lanka as a donation to ensure the availability of essential anti-TB medicines in Sri Lanka. The medicines were sourced with the support of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India.
The consignment comprises about three tonnes of essential anti-TB medicines, amounting to over 1.5 million tablets, with an estimated value of Rs. 52 million. The consignment includes essential first-line medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis and will contribute towards ensuring the continuity and availability of treatment for TB patients in Sri Lanka.
The assistance is another example of India’s timely response to Sri Lanka’s public health requirements. In August 2026, India gifted 500 litres of Technical Malathion to Sri Lanka, also in response to a request from the Government of Sri Lanka, to support the country’s efforts against dengue, the statement said.
India and Sri Lanka share a longstanding and wide-ranging partnership in the health sector. India’s development cooperation in the sector includes the construction and upgrading of hospitals and healthcare facilities, the supply of medicines and medical equipment, and capacity building and training. India has also extended assistance to Sri Lanka during times of emergency and urgent medical requirements.
The latest assistance reflects India’s continued commitment to a people-centric development partnership with Sri Lanka, guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy, with a focus on responding to priorities identified by the Government and people of Sri Lanka.
