Australia extends $ 500,000 assistance to SL

Australia is providing urgently needed assistance to Sri Lanka in response to recent flooding and landslides.

The Australian Government will contribute $500,000 to UNICEF for humanitarian assistance, including the provision of clean water and sanitation for children in shelters.

The disaster has affected 22 of the country’s 25 districts. It has so far claimed over 50 lives and authorities hold grave concerns for nearly 150 people who remain missing.

The Sri Lankan Government has opened 663 safety centres to house an estimated 360,000 people who have been displaced.

“We commend the Sri Lankan authorities for their effective response to this natural disaster under difficult circumstances. However, Sri Lankan authorities have now requested international assistance to respond to the disaster,” the Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

In line with caretaker conventions, the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development has been consulted and supports this assistance.