Italy to grant Rs.125mn in emergency funds to purchase medicines

In the wake of difficulties experienced by Sri Lanka, the Embassy of Italy in Colombo yesterday annouced that the Republic of Italy will be granting an in-kind emergency contribution to Sri Lanka of around Rs.125 million (Euro 341,115) for the purchase of medicine and medical equipment. 

The contribution will be channeled through the Italian Bilateral Emergency Fund at the World Health Organization (WHO) and will allow payment to suppliers abroad directly as per planned procurement by the Ministry of Health in line with supply-chain management processes.

This emergency aid measure comes within the framework of the traditional strong partnership between Italy and Sri Lanka. In the past, Italy has always been ready to support Sri Lanka whenever the country was in need, including in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami.