India sends three tonnes of anti-TB medicines to Sri Lanka
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India on Monday sent about three tonnes of anti-tuberculosis medicines to Colombo, reaffirming its support for Sri Lanka’s public health system.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the medicines were transported to Colombo aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft.
“India remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s public health system,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
The shipment comes as India continues to support healthcare projects in Sri Lanka. On September 16, construction began on a new two-storey accident and emergency unit at the District General Hospital in Mannar with financial assistance from India.
The project is being supported by an Indian grant of SLR 600 million and will include essential medical equipment.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha attended the foundation stone laying ceremony.
Jha said the facility would help provide timely emergency care during the critical “golden hour”.
On September 4, Jha inaugurated Suhadagama, the 21st Model Village, in Polonnaruwa. The project is supported by Indian grant assistance and forms part of a programme covering all 25 districts of Sri Lanka.
India and Sri Lanka have also continued cooperation through the India-Sri Lanka Foundation, established in 1998 to promote economic, scientific, educational, technical and cultural ties.
Jha and Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Mahishini Colonne co-chaired the foundation’s 41st Board Meeting in New Delhi on August 28. The meeting reviewed ongoing initiatives and new project proposals in areas including education, culture, science and technology.