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Covid-19 response: Australia uses Mattala to move supplies to India and Nepal

Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster aircraft lands at Mattala
Australia has used Sri Lanka as a hub to move urgently needed assistance to Nepal and India battling the rampaging Covid-19 pandemic. The Australian High Commission, in a statement issued yesterday (7) quoted HC David Holly as having that Sri Lanka facilitated the use of Mattala airport to deliver Australian assistance to its North East Indian Ocean neighbours.
The Australian HC issued the following statement: “Australia has delivered essential medical supplies to Sri Lanka to further assist in its response to COVID-19. On 4 June, a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster aircraft landed at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport carrying essential supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Using Sri Lanka as a hub, essential supplies will also be delivered to Nepal and India in direct response to the COVID-19 crises taking place in those countries.
Australia has continued to support Sri Lanka’s health system since the start of the pandemic, responding to COVID-19 outbreaks and bolstering the health system to manage threats to regional health security in the future.
The Western Australian Government’s donation of 9,800,000 facemasks and 3,200 coveralls will provide essential support and protection to those on the frontline of the current health crisis to ensure the sustained delivery of emergency care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marking the event at Mattala Airport, Australian High Commissioner Holly said “In addition to the COVID-19 supplies being delivered to Sri Lanka today, the Australian government warmly appreciates the support of the Sri Lankan government in facilitating the use of Mattala Airport as the hub for delivering much needed COVID support to our North East Indian Ocean neighbours.”
“Today’s event represents a significant example of our growing commitment to partnership in the Indian Ocean region.”
Australia’s overall package of support to Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 response totals AUD 11.7 million (LKR 1,800 million). Australia’s support has been focused on bolstering health security, promoting social cohesion and stability for Sri Lankan communities and supporting economic recovery.”
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Clean Sri Lanka is a project that removes obstacles to living a civilized life – Prime Minister

Prime Minister Dr. HariniAmarasuriya stated that the Clean Sri Lanka program is an initiative aimed at removing obstacles to living a civilized life. The Prime Minister made this remark on Sunday (09) morning while participating in the ‘A Beautiful Beach, an Attractive Tourist Destination’ held at the Mattakkuliya Beach Park.
As part of this initiative, beach cleaning programs were conducted simultaneously at 124 locations across the Western and Southern Provinces from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the goal of cleaning 1,740 kilometers of coastline nationwide.
Speaking further,the Prime Minister stated:
“Today, under the Clean Sri Lanka program, we are undertaking cleaning activities across many kilometers of shoreline around the island. However, this initiative is not just about physical cleanliness. It holds a deeper meaning—eliminating obstacles to a civilized way of life, not only in our surroundings but also in our mindset.”
“This transformation is not something the government can achieve alone. It requires a collective effort. It must start within ourselves, from our homes, villages, streets, and marketplaces. Public participation is crucial for this initiative to be successful. Today, we are here not in our official capacities, but as citizens of this country, committed to making a difference.”
“Through the Clean Sri Lanka program, we must unite to bring about the transformation that our people expect”.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yusuf, Chairman of the Colombo District Development Committee Lakshman Nipunarachchi, Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Kumara, General Manager of the Marine Environment Protection Authority Jagath Gunasekara, officers of the Sri Lanka Police and the Tri-Forces, and local community members.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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