• The Australian Government’s support to Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 requirements  now totals to AUD 11.7 million (approx. LKR 1.8 billion)

The Australian Department of Defence said that it will support Sri Lanka’s armed forces in their effort to counter COVID-19 by providing much needed equipment to protect those in the frontline in Sri Lanka.  

 Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka David Holly and Australian  Defence Adviser Captain Ian Cain yesterday handed over 6,300 kilograms  of Australian Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Army Commander and Head of National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak- General Shavendra Silva.  

At the handing-over ceremony, High Commissioner Holly said, “Australia expresses solidarity with Sri Lanka as we both face the impacts of the global COVID-19 crisis together”.  The PPE consisted of 16,500 high quality overalls, 25,000 surgical face masks, 100,000 pairs of gloves manufactured in Sri Lanka by the Australian firm Ansell, 175 goggles and 15 (25 litre) cool boxes to transport the vaccines and will support Sri Lanka’s efforts to minimise further transmission of the COVID-19 virus.  

“The Australian Government’s support to Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 requirements now totals to AUD 11.7 million (approx. LKR 1.8 billion) including support to the Ministry of Health to strengthen national laboratories, as well as providing crucial food and hygiene items to the Sri Lankan communities,” the The Australian High Commission said.