In response to massive flooding in Sri Lanka that has left dozens of people dead, hundreds of thousands of people displaced and widespread destruction, Israel provided $20,000 worth of immediate disaster relief supplies to the Disaster Relief Management Ministry of Sri Lanka over the weekend.
Following the recent floods that have caused the loss of dozens of lives and severe damage, Israel has been in touch with the Sri Lankan authorities and provided immediate disaster relief supplies to people and areas that were significantly affected by the disaster.
“At this difficult time, the people of Israel and its government stand by the people of Sri Lanka,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated.
The relief supplies include water pumps, water filters, solar lighting kits and LED lamps, as well as 50,000 tablets for water purification. The Israeli Embassy handed the emergency aid to the Disaster Relief Management Ministry of Sri Lanka.
At a later stage, in accordance with the circumstances and needs of the Sri Lankan people, Israel plans long- and medium-term cooperation that will include Israeli water experts to address the challenges that may arise as a result of the flooding.
Israeli Ambassador of to Sri Lanka Daniel Carmon said that “friendship between people – but more so between nations – is tested in times of need. As a friend and partner of Sri Lanka, Israel was honored to provide emergency assistance following the recent floods. We have every intention that this emergency aid will ease the recovery of the areas affected by the floods and that it will transform into a strong and meaningful cooperation in the field of water.”
Israel’s annual National Day reception that was marked over the weekend was dedicated in honor of victims of the flood and to cementing Israel’s strong friendship with Sri Lanka.
“Our hearts and minds are with the people of Sri Lanka and especially the families of the victims and all of those who were affected by the floods, as the loss of lives and the damages are truly heart breaking,” Carmon added.
Israel has a long history of leading humanitarian, medical and logistical assistance to countries in distress around the world, including to tornado victims in Oklahoma, typhoon refugees in previous storms in the Philippines and earthquake casualties in Haiti.
By: Max Gelber, United with Israel