FOREIGN COUNTRIES RUSH AID
Three Chinese ships in Island tomorrow
In reply to an appeal by the government to send relief more relief items arrived from several countries for the victims of the floods and landslides in Sri Lanka yesterday and more are expected to arrive in the next few days.
Three Chinese ships carrying relief goods for the victims of floods and landslides will arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow (1), the Government Information Department said yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy said the Red Cross Society of China had donated US$ 100,000 to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS). Chinese Ambassador Yi Xianliang handed over the donation to Nimal Kumar, National Secretary of SLRCS on behalf of the Red Cross Society of China.
Ambassador Yi extended his deepest sympathy and condolences to Sri Lankans, especially the families affected by the disaster.
Mr. Kumar expressed his appreciation and gratitude to China for the donation made by the Red Cross Society of China to SLRCS.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Naval Ship PNS ZULFIQUAR, dispatched by Government of Pakistan, had arrived at the Colombo Port with relief goods yesterday (30). The acting High Commissioner of Pakistan Dr. Shafraz Ahmed Khan Sipra handed over the relief items to Minister of Fereign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake at the Colombo Port. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sarfraz Sipra said that the people and the Government of Pakistan will leave no stone unturned to further help the people and the Government of Sri Lanka in it’s time of need.
Pakistan Naval Ship ZULFIQUAR has brought in dry rations, medicines, de-flooding pumps and other relief items. Additionally, the ship has the capability to provide search and rescue facilities using helicopters, rescue boats, medical teams and deep sea divers.
Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced that the Australian Government will provide urgent humanitarian assistance in addition to high-grade inflatable boats that are to be sent to the country as soon as possible.
Responding to a request made by the Sri Lankan Government, Australia promised Rs. 57 million to meet urgent needs and equipment including high-grade inflatable boats and outboard motors to expedite search and rescue efforts. Meanwhile, the Israeli government had also sent relief goods to Sri Lanka yesterday. The emergency supplies provided by the Israeli Embassy included power generators, drinking water, high powered light sources and other emergency first response supplies. The generators, which were in high demand, were immediately taken to the affected areas which have sustained the worst damage by the floods and landslides.
Ambassador of Israel, Daniel Carmon delivered the supplies and a letter from President Reuven Rivlin to Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Meanwhile, The third Indian naval ship arrived yesterday bringing relief supplies including rice, lentils, sugar, milk and blankets for the displaced.