Sri Lanka, struggling to meet the urgent requirement of essential anti-tuberculosis (TB) medicines requested India’s help. Responding to Sri Lanka’s urgent appeal, India recently delivered about three tonnes of medicines estimated to be worth Rs 52 mn.

The Indian HC has sent us the following press release: “The government of India handed over a consignment of essential anti-tuberculosis (TB) medicines to the Government of Sri Lanka at the Ministry of Health in Colombo today. The medicines were handed over by High Commissioner Santosh Jha to Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media was also present.

The assistance was provided in response to a request from Govt of Sri Lanka as a donation for ensuring the availability of essential anti-TB medicines here. The medicines were sourced with the support of the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The consignment comprises about 3 tonnes of essential anti-TB medicines, amounting to over 1.5 million tablets, with an estimated value of LKR 52 million. The consignment includes essential first-line medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis and will contribute towards ensuring continuity and availability of treatment for TB patients in Sri Lanka.

The assistance is another example of India’s timely response to Sri Lanka’s public health requirements. In August 2026, India had gifted 500 litres of Technical Malathion to Sri Lanka, also in response to a request from the Government of Sri Lanka, to support the country’s efforts against dengue.

India and Sri Lanka share a longstanding and wide-ranging partnership in the health sector. India’s development cooperation in the sector includes the, construction and upgrading of hospitals and healthcare facilities, supply of medicines and medical equipment, and capacity building and training. India has also extended assistance to Sri Lanka during times of emergency and urgent medical requirements.

The latest assistance reflects India’s continued commitment to a people-centric development partnership with Sri Lanka, guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy, with a focus on responding to priorities identified by the Government and people of Sri Lanka.”

Opposition MPs yesterday (08) signed a no-confidence motion against Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. The motion was signed at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Governor of the American farming state of Montana Greg Gianforte, accompanied by First Lady Susan Gianforte and a delegation from the state, will arrive in Sri Lanka today (9) to expand opportunities for American agricultural exports and deepen security cooperation through the Montana National Guard’s State Partnership Program.

Declaring that Montana is the leading U.S. producer of pulses such as chickpeas, lentils, and dry peas, the US embassy in Colombo said that the delegation plans to engage with Sri Lankan pulse importers and traders to explore new markets for Montana-grown products, expand opportunities for American farmers, and strengthen commercial ties with Sri Lankan businesses.

“From Montana’s farms to Sri Lanka’s Indian Ocean shores, this partnership connects economic opportunity with shared security,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer. “We look forward to welcoming Governor Gianforte, First Lady Susan Gianforte, and the Montana delegation as they open doors for American farmers and deepen cooperation that benefits both our countries.”

The text of the statement: “Brigadier General Trenton Gibson, Montana’s Adjutant General and Commander of the Montana National Guard, will accompany the Governor’s delegation to advance defense cooperation through the State Partnership Program, which has linked Montana and Sri Lanka since 2021. In 2025, the Montana National Guard and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize and expand cooperation in disaster response, maritime domain awareness, and professional military education.

This partnership strengthens disaster readiness, maritime security, and the professional skills of military personnel while building lasting ties between Montana and Sri Lanka. The Governor’s visit will deepen that cooperation and open new opportunities for agricultural trade.

Starting his first business when he was in high school, Governor Greg Gianforte has spent his career creating jobs. In 1997, Greg and Susan Gianforte founded RightNow Technologies from their Bozeman home and grew it into the town’s largest commercial employer, creating over 500 high-paying Montana jobs.”