Colombo, March 13, 2025: Responding to an urgent request from the Sri Lankan government, India has gifted 50,000 ampoules of Furosemide injection (20mg/2ml) to help address the shortage of essential medicines in Sri Lankan hospitals.
The consignment was handed over by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, to Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, at an official ceremony at the Ministry of Health. The event was attended by Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Health; Dr. Dedunu Dias, Director, Medical Supply Division; and other senior officials.
According to the Press release issued by the ndian High Commission , Colombo , India has consistently been a reliable partner to Sri Lanka in times of crisis, particularly in the health sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied over 25 tons of medicines in May 2020 and donated 500,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine in January 2021. Additionally, in February 2022, India provided 100,000 Rapid Antigen Test kits. Amid Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, India extended a $1 billion credit facility in March 2022 for essential supplies, including medicines, which was later extended until March 2024 upon Sri Lanka’s request. In April-May 2022, India also provided over 26 tons of medical supplies to major hospitals across Sri Lanka.
India has also played a key role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s healthcare infrastructure through various development initiatives. These include the nationwide ‘1990 Suwa Seriya’ ambulance service, the construction of a 150-bed multi-specialty hospital in Dickoya, and the establishment of a new surgical unit at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital. Additionally, India has contributed to the upgrading of facilities at Jaffna Teaching Hospital and district hospitals in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.
This latest medical assistance reaffirms India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s healthcare needs and strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
