President holds crucial meeting with Intl. Federation of Red Cross, Red Crescent officials

In a momentous development, President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday convened a meeting with a delegation composed of members from the esteemed Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) and the prestigious International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). 

The delegation comprised distinguished leaders, including SLRCS President Jagath Abeysinghe, SLRCS Director General Dr. Mahesh Gunasekara, IFRC Asia Pacific Regional Director Alexander Matheou, and IFRC South Asia Head of Country Cluster Delegation Udaya Regmi.

The primary objective of the meeting was to provide President Wickremesinghe with a comprehensive update regarding the ongoing South Asia National Societies Leadership meeting held in Colombo on 6 to 7 June.

 Eminent leaders from eight South Asian Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies graced this noteworthy event. To inaugurate the gathering, the South Asia Launch of the World Disasters Report 2022 (WDR 2022) took place on 6 June. In a gesture of gratitude, President Wickremesinghe received a copy of the WDR 2022.

Throughout the meeting, the delegation also apprised the President of the pressing necessity for the enactment of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Act. This legislation aims to fortify the operational capacity of the Sri Lanka Red Cross and provide efficacious support to vulnerable individuals across the nation. The President attentively absorbed the briefing and engaged in deliberations concerning potential measures to enhance the functionality of the Sri Lanka Red Cross, thereby ensuring the welfare of the Sri Lankan people.

This meeting between President Wickremesinghe and the collective team of SLRCS and IFRC leaders epitomises Sri Lanka’s steadfast commitment to collaborating with international humanitarian organisations in tackling crucial issues and fostering a more robust and resilient society.

Leaders of eight national associations of the Asian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies were also present at this meeting.