21 December 2023 06:55 pm Views - 1028
Colombo, Dec 21 Daily Mirror - Bangladesh has donated essential medicines worth US$1 million to Sri Lanka. The official handover took place in a brief ceremony at the office of Health Minister, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, where Bangladesh High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam transferred the consignment.
The donation, comprising twenty-four crucial medical items, was sourced from the state-owned pharmaceutical company of Bangladesh, Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL), aligning with the specific requirements outlined by the Sri Lankan government.
Present during the ceremony were key officials from the Sri Lankan Health Ministry, including Secretary Health Dr. P. G. Mahipala, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, DDG MSD Dr. Dharmaratne, Director (Diplomatic Affairs) Dr. Anver Hamdani, and Director MSD Dr. Dias.
Expressing gratitude, Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana extended his thanks to the government and people of Bangladesh for their friendly gesture. He also commended the Bangladesh High Commission for its role in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the crucial health and pharmaceutical sectors.
High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam, in turn, described the donation as a testament to Bangladesh's commitment and goodwill towards Sri Lanka. He highlighted the significant potential for collaboration between the two countries in the pharmaceutical and health sectors.
In May 2022, Bangladesh also provided medical supplies worth US $2.3 million as a goodwill gesture. The two governments are actively exploring avenues for a more robust collaboration in sourcing pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh.