Amid the economic crisis in the Island nation Sri Lanka, India sent 15,000 liters of kerosene to the country on Saturday to aid 700 fisherfolk and power ferry services in Jaffna city, days after its delivery of nearly 40,000 metric tonnes of petrol to the debt-ridden country which is struggling with its dreadful economic adversities.
Also, to help the neighboring country import fuel as it has been struggling to pay for imports after its foreign exchange reserves raised highly these days, India extended an additional USD 500 million credit line to Sri Lanka the previous month. On Friday, India gave 25 tonnes of medical supplies worth over USD 7,00,000 to Sri Lanka as a component of its progressing efforts.
The Consulate General of India said, “Progressing Indian help to Sri Lanka. 15,000 liters of kerosene were presented to 700 fishermen of Delft, Nainativu, Eluvaitivu, and Analativu. CG Shri Rajesh Nataraj with Fisheries Min Hon. Douglas Devananda initiated distribution, part of the consignment will also power ferry service between islands.”
India sent urgent relief supplies last week consisting of 9,000 metric tonnes of rice, 200 MT of milk powder and 24 MT of life-saving medicines with a combined value of Rs 45 crore to the country. For all these, India has been appreciated by the Prime Minister of the country Ranil Wickremesinghe during the adversities being faced by the entire nation.
The deficiency of foreign reserves has led to long queues for fuel, cooking gas, and other needs while power cuts and soaring food prices raised misery for the citizens.