Switzerland donates medical supplies valued over US$ 4 million

Switzerland donated as humanitarian assistance, medical supplies valued more than US$ 4 million - oxygen concentrators, ventilators and Antigen test kits to be used in anti-pandemic operations, a statement from the Prime Minister’s office said.

Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dominik Furgler called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday at Temple Trees to hand over medical supplies donated by the Swiss government .

Commenting on the Swiss relief provided to South Asian countries to help fight the pandemic, including this donation to Sri Lanka, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis earlier had said,“we can only end this pandemic together - international support is essential.”

Prime Minister Rajapaksa thanked the People of Switzerland for the generous donation and stressed the importance of continuing the already strong cooperation between the two countries.

The humanitarian assistance contained medical supplies amounting to more than US$

4 million, including oxygen concentrators, ventilators and Antigen test kits, among other supplies, that would assist the Sri Lankan Government’s efforts in containing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two delegations discussed the need to reactivate the Sri Lanka – Swiss Parliamentary Friendship Association (SLSPFA) and conduct programmes among parliamentary members of both countries as has been successfully done in the past.

Prime Minister Rajapaksa handed over that responsibility to the current SLSPFA Convener MP Premanath C. Dolawatta.

Ambassador Furgler also expressed to Prime Minister Rajapaksa his Government’s interest in assisting Sri Lanka to enhance activities and services of the hospitality sector as the world hopes to revitalize tourism in the near future.