Korean Ambassador Jeong hands over emergency medical supplies to Govt.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Santhush Woonjin Jeong, at a ceremony held in the State Ministry of Health on 3 October, handed over emergency medical supplies, including syringe pumps, infusion pumps, and nebulisers, as a part of the $ 500,000 worth anti-COVID donation to the Government, with the participation of State Minister of Health Prof. Channa Jayasumana. This donation will help assist in combatting COVID-19 and will help strengthen Sri Lanka’s readiness to respond to public health emergencies.

During the handing-over ceremony, Ambassador Jeong and State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana engaged in a constructive meeting on the national response to COVID-19 of Sri Lanka. State Minister Jayasumana was grateful to the Korean Government and the Korean Embassy for the generous contribution to support Sri Lanka in its efforts to deter the spread of COVID-19, saying this goodwill gesture would strengthen the long-standing friendship between the two countries. 

Ambassador Jeong commented on the close public health collaboration between Korea and Sri Lanka. He mentioned that since his arrival in Sri Lanka last July, Korea and Sri Lanka have been strengthening anti-COVID collaboration with each other. 

While commending Sri Lanka for the effective national response to contain COVID-19 by implementing a successful vaccination drive, he emphasised the importance of mutual public health cooperation as part of the global effort to combat COVID-19. He stated: “Sri Lanka has managed to drastically reduce the daily cases of COVID-19 thanks to the efficient and well-planned vaccination drive. The Korean Government wishes to extend its fullest support and cooperation in coordinating the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Under the ‘Stay Strong’ campaign, in partnership with UNICEF, the Korean Government handed over $ 230,000 worth of anti-COVID-19 facemasks to the Ministry of Health in July this year. Last year, Korea donated PCR test kits amounting to the sum of $ 300,000. 

The Korean Government has increased its support to Sri Lanka by donating emergency medical items, such as PCR test kits and PCR test machines, amounting to the sum of $ 500,000 to combat COVID-19 this year.

Secretary to the State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Dr. R.M.S.K. Rathnayake, senior officials of the Health Ministry and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, including First Secretary Lim Miyeon, were present at the event.