Colombo (LNW): Bangladesh has contributed essential medicines valued at US $1 million to Sri Lanka in a significant humanitarian gesture.
The official handover transpired in a concise ceremony at the office of Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, where Bangladesh High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam formally presented the consignment.
This substantial donation, comprising twenty-four critical medical items, was procured from Bangladesh’s state-owned pharmaceutical entity, the Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL), aligning precisely with the specific requirements articulated by the Sri Lankan government.
The ceremony saw the presence of key officials from the Sri Lankan Health Ministry, including Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, DDG MSD Dr. Dharmaratne, Director (Diplomatic Affairs) Dr. Anver Hamdani, and Director MSD Dr. Dias.
Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana expressed gratitude, acknowledging the friendly gesture of the government and people of Bangladesh. He also lauded the Bangladesh High Commission for its pivotal role in fortifying bilateral relations, particularly within the vital health and pharmaceutical sectors.
High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam reciprocated by characterising the donation as a manifestation of Bangladesh’s dedication and goodwill toward Sri Lanka. He underscored the substantial potential for collaboration between the two nations in the pharmaceutical and health sectors.
This recent contribution follows Bangladesh’s earlier goodwill gesture in May 2022, where medical supplies amounting to US $2.3 million were provided. The governments of both countries are actively exploring avenues for a more robust collaboration, particularly in the procurement of pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh.
