Switzerland donates USD 4 million worth COVID aid to Sri Lanka

Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka Dominik Furgler, who called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday (June 28) at Temple Trees, has hand over medical supplies donated by the Swiss government to Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the Swiss relief provided to South Asian countries to help fight the pandemic, including this donation to Sri Lanka, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis earlier had said, “We can only end this pandemic together - international support is essential.”

Prime Minister Rajapaksa thanked the People of Switzerland for the generous donation and stressed the importance of continuing the already strong cooperation between the two countries.

The humanitarian assistance contained medical supplies amounting to more than USD 4 million, including oxygen concentrators, ventilators and Antigen test kits, among other supplies, that would assist the Sri Lankan Government’s efforts in containing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two delegations discussed the need to reactivate the Sri Lanka – Swiss Parliamentary Friendship Association (SLSPFA) and conduct programs between parliamentary members of both countries as has been successfully done in the past. Prime Minister Rajapaksa handed over that responsibility to the current SLSPFA Convener MP Premanath C. Dolawatta.

Ambassador Furgler also expressed to Prime Minister Rajapaksa his government’s interest in assisting Sri Lanka to enhance activities and services of the hospitality sector as the world hopes to revitalize tourism in the near future.