• The aid will benefit 7,500 people in some of the most affected areas in the districts of Colombo, Galle and Gampaha
• The EU funding supports the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society in delivering emergency relief to the most affected families

Following the devastating floods which struck Sri Lanka in mid-May, the European Commission is providing €80,000 (Rs. 19.5 million) in humanitarian funding for emergency assistance and the aid will benefit 7,500 people in some of the most affected areas in the districts of Colombo, Galle and Gampaha, a statement from the delegation of European Union said.  

The statement said the EU funding supports the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society in delivering emergency relief to the most affected families, including those who are currently living in temporary shelters or evacuation centres, as well as to people returning home after water levels have receded. The support focuses on providing access to clean water and sanitation, particularly through cleaning the contaminated wells. First aid and medical services will also be provided, along with hygiene awareness sessions, to avoid the spread of waterborne diseases, as well as the coronavirus. Affected people will also receive household items and kitchen sets. The funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent 
Societies (IFRC).