The Indian Government’s offer of medical assistance to treat Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North is an example to western countries who dictate terms to Sri Lanka on humanitarian issues and how to prosecute the war against terrorism, Health Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said.

Minister De Silva was speaking at a function held in Colombo yesterday to welcome the Indian medical team which arrived here to serve at the Mobile Hospital stationed in Pulmoddai to treat IDPs. “The Mobile Hospital gifted by the Indian Government is a symbol of long standing goodwill and friendship between the two countries. 

This will further strengthen the ties between the two nations. This is the kind of assistance Sri Lanka needs at a time when Sri Lanka I engaged in a war against terrorism. Unfortunately some countries are attempting to fish in troubled waters at a time Sri Lanka needs the helping hand of her friends,” Minister De Silva said. 

He commended the Indian High Commission officials and Health Ministry officials for their efficiency for clearing the drugs and medical equipment in a record time. 

The Indian Government has gifted Rs. 70 million worth of drugs and equipment. The 52-member medical team comprises 8 surgeons, 12 doctors, two anaesthetists and 10 paramedics in addition to nurses and medical technicians.

 Indian High Commissioner Alok Prasad responding to a journalist’s question said the Indian Government would provide further assistance to help IDPs.  

“India has experience in this kind of humanitarian operations in Sri Lanka. During the tsunami catastrophe, we were the first foreign country that came to Sri Lanka’s assistance,” Mr. Prasad said.

Courtesy: Dailymirror.lk