COLOMBO :Following the special directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and as part of Pakistan’s ongoing humanitarian relief efforts, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Monday,December 15, handed over a sea consignment
of 200 tons of humanitarian relief goods to the Government of Sri Lanka, reaffirming the enduring
friendship and strong bilateral ties between the two countries.
The assistance builds on Pakistan’s earlier relief response, which included the dispatch of Pakistan
Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying emergency supplies, search-and-rescue equipment, and
specialized USAR teams. In addition, a Pakistan Navy ship, along with its onboard helicopter,
actively participated in relief and rescue operations in close coordination with the Sri Lankan
Armed Forces Cyclone Ditwah.Earlier the Prime Minister of Pakistan had a telephone call with
the President of Sri Lanka, conveying condolences over the loss of lives and reaffirming Pakistan’s
commitment to continued support. Upon special directives of the Prime Minister,Pakistan’s
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry also had two-day visit
last week to Sri Lanka to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to support Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts.
The present consignment, dispatched by Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA), arrived at the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT), Colombo Port. The
relief supplies include family tents, blankets, quilts, life-saving jackets, inflatable boats, de-
watering pumps, camping lamps, mosquito nets, bubble mats, milk powder, Ready-to-Use
Therapeutic Food (RUTF), and essential medicines, aimed at supporting cyclone-affected
communities.
The handover ceremony was attended by Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports and Civil
Aviation; Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation; Rear
Admiral S.J. Kumara, Commander Western Naval Area; and senior officials of Srilabkan Foreign
Officr and representatives of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
H.E. the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Major General (Retd) Faheem Ul Aziz, formally
presented the relief consignment to the Sri Lankan authorities at Colombo Port. He reiterated that
the assistance was tangible expression of the everlasting friendship and goodwill of the Pakistani
people for their Sri Lankan brothers and sisters and Pakistan remained ready to extend any further
assistance required by the Government of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan authorities expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s timely and sustained assistance
which proved vital in rescue and relief operations. The relief supplies will be distributed by Sri
Lankan authorities to affected areas, strengthening ongoing humanitarian and recovery efforts.
Colombo
Sri Lanka
