Gov’t Sends Humanitarian Aid to Sri Lanka

Secretary-General of Ministry of Health Kunta Wibawa Dasa Nugraha Thursday (04/28) hands over humanitarian aid to Sri Lankan Ambassador to Indonesia and ASEAN Yasoja Gunasekera, at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Banten province. (Photo by: PR of Ministry of Health)

The Indonesian Government sent 3,026 kilograms of humanitarian aid in the form of essential medicine and medical devices to the Sri Lankan Government.

The aid is the Government’s response to the crisis that has impacted the scarcity of medicines and medical devices in the country.

“With the spirit of humanity and solidarity as a friendly country, Indonesia intends to provide health assistance to Sri Lankan Government and its people,” Secretary-General of Ministry of Health Kunta Wibawa Dasa Nugraha said Thursday (04/28) during the handover of the humanitarian aid to Sri Lankan Ambassador to Indonesia and ASEAN Yasoja Gunasekera, at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Banten province.

Kunta stated that the provision of aid was made possible through donations from 9 pharmaceutical companies via a CSR scheme. The companies managed to donate around Rp22.1 billion, consisting of 11 items of medicines and 8 items of medical devices.

“Through donations and cooperation from all parties involved, the donation can be received today to be handed over to Sri Lankan Government,” he said.

The Secretary-General said that the aid will be sent in 2 batches using cargo planes. In this first batch, the Government sent 1,284 kilograms of aid consisting of 8 items of cytostatic drugs and 6 items of medical devices worth Rp4.53 billion. For the record, the second batch will depart on May 8, 2022, with a total weight of 1,834 kilograms consisting of 2 items of cytostatic drugs, 1 supplement for cancer patients, and 2 items of medical equipment worth Rp17.69 billion.

Kunta also stated that aid delivery is also a form of a good and close relationship between Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Both countries have been strategic partners for 70 years in 2022.

“Hopefully, this assistance can help reduce the burden on our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka,” he said.

On behalf of the Sri Lankan Government, Gunasekera expressed gratitude for the concern of the Government, the people, and the private sector in Indonesia for the current Sri Lanka situation.

“From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you,” she said.

Gunasekera added that this humanitarian aid is a reflection of the strong relationship between Indonesia and Sri Lanka. According to her, both countries understand each other’s situation and conditions, especially during difficult times. (PR of Ministry of Health/UN) (FI/HD/MMB)