Switzerland donates Lanka $ 4 Mn worth COVID-19 relief package

Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dominic Furgler with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa

Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dominic Furgler called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday(28) and ceremonially handed over a consignment of US $ 4 million worth of medical aid to overcome the COVID-19 epidemic, The Prime Minister’s office said.

Commenting on the relief provided by the Swiss Government to South Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, to overcome the Covid Challenge, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis had previously stated, “We can only end this epidemic together. International support is essential. “

The Prime Minister thanking the government and the people of Switzerland for the donation stressed the importance of maintaining strong cooperation between the two countries.

Among the stocks of medical aid provided were equipment including oxygen concentrators and antibody gene testing kits to control the Covid-19 epidemic.

“I thank the Government and people of Switzerland on behalf of the government and people of Sri Lanka for the generous donation of oxygen concentrators and ventilators amongst other medical supplies,” Prime Minister Rajapaksa said.

The meeting also focused on the need to reactivate the Sri Lanka-Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Association (SLSPFA) and the successful programs between the Members of Parliament of the two countries in the past.

The Prime Minister handed over the responsibilities to Premnath C. Dolawatta, Member of Parliament who is the Convener of the Sri Lanka-Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Association (SLSPFA).

Ambassador Dominic Furgler assured the Prime Minister that the Government of Switzerland will support the development of activities and services of Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector in line with the global expectation that the tourism industry will be revived in the near future.