Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, together with the Minister of Disaster Management Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and the Minister of Health & Indigenous Medicine Dr. Rajitha Senaratne briefed the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations based in Colombo, on the flood and landslide situation in the country, yesterday Thursday 19 May 2016 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Minister Samaraweera expressed appreciation to the international community for their messages of condolence and assistance to victims.
The Minister of Disaster Management Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and the Minister of Health & Indigenous Medicine Dr. Rajitha Senaratne briefed on the present ground situation and the ongoing relief and rescue efforts that are underway. The Ministers highlighted some of the immediate relief needs of equipment and material that are in short supply and stated that the Government would welcome foreign assistance of identified priority items and material. The Ministers also briefed the Diplomatic Community on action that was being taken to mitigate any adverse health risks following flooding. The Diplomats present at the briefing expressed their willingness to extend any support required at this difficult time.
Following the briefing, the Ministers held a Press Conference for local and foreign media.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a Task Force to coordinate emergency relief assistance from Diplomatic Missions in Colombo and Sri Lankan Missions overseas, with the relevant Ministries and Agencies in Sri Lanka. The contact details are as follows:-
Tel: +94 11 2323015 (Cypher) 24 Hours
Fax: +9411 2446091, 2333450 (Cypher)
Email: help@mfa.gov.lk
Coordinator: Ms. Varuni Muthukumarana, Director
Dep. Foreign Minister’s Bureau
Mobile: 0718147939
Any Sri Lankans abroad and well-wishers who wish to contribute towards the flood relief efforts are requested to contact their nearest Sri Lankan Mission / Post for details on how they may assist, or contact the Task Force.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
20 May 2016
Press Conference that followed briefing
