The Ministry of Foreign Relations handed over Rs. 27.7 million, raised through the network of Sri Lanka missions overseas, to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday, to support the Covid-19 Health Care and Social Security Fund.
Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha handed over the cheque to the President, in the presence of Minister of Foreign Relations Dinesh Gunawardena at the Presidential Secretariat.
“The unprecedented response by the Sri Lankan community members, associations and well-wishers overseas despite hardships in their countries of residence, was a reflection of their keen endorsement towards the efforts by the Government in minimising the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka,” the Ministry stated in a release.
In addition to raising funds, the Missions abroad have also been sourcing large consignments of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from around the world, ranging from thermometers, test kits, nebulizers, humidifiers, ventilators and other types of protective gears.
The Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association (SLFSA), having raised Rs. 2.8 million by way of contributions of its members, also handed over the donation to President Rajapaksa on May 6 to support the Fund.