The supplies will be distributed among beneficiaries across the country

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay on Sunday handed over more than SLR 2 billion worth of rice, milk powder and medicines to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Prof G L Peiris in Colombo.

This is the first incoming consignment under a larger commitment of 40,000 MT of rice, 500 MT of milk powder and medicines by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

This commitment translates to more than SLR 5.5 billion, the Indian High Commission said.

The supplies will be distributed among beneficiaries across the country including Northern, Eastern, Central and Western Provinces by the Government of Sri Lanka. These beneficiaries cover diverse sections of the society.

According to the High Commission, the assistance from people of India complements multi-pronged efforts undertaken by the Government of India by standing with their brethren in Sri Lanka.

Several private and social organizations from India have sent assistance to Sri Lanka to meet various urgent requirements.

“This outpouring of support for Sri Lanka among common Indians is apart from the economic assistance by Government of India which has been to the tune of around USD 3.5 billion since January this year. In addition, medicines, dry rations etc have also been sent by the Government of India on grant basis,” the Indian High Commission added.