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Sri Lankan relief team returns from Myanmar festooned in glory
View(s):By Dilushi Wijesinghe
Brigadier Karunathilake
The Sri Lankan Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Team, which was deployed to Myanmar, returned to the island yesterday (April 26). Comprising 26 members from the Sri Lankan tri-services, the team was led by Brigadier Punya Karunathilake and departed for Myanmar on April 5.
Speaking upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Brigadier Karunathilake said, “As we approached the disaster-stricken Nay Pyi Taw province, located approximately 450 km away, we encountered broken roads and bridges. However, we managed to reach our destination by using alternate routes, reporting to the Disaster Management Center (DMC) in Nay Pyi Taw.”
He added, “From the following day onwards, we provided medical assistance for 19 days across 16 displacement camps in several districts, treating over 2,000 patients. This was carried out under the instructions of the defense secretary, the tri-forces commanders, and the direction of the DMC.”
Brigadier Karunathilake also noted that Myanmar’s Health Minister visited the team and commended the Sri Lankan government, the president, and the tri-forces for their relief efforts. In recognition of their services, the team was awarded certificates and a plaque by Myanmar’s Health Ministry and the DMC.
Commending the team’s contributions, local DMC media spokesman Pradeep Kodippili highlighted that Sri Lanka had provided 20 containers of dry rations and one million USD as relief assistance. “We remain committed to supporting disaster-affected communities both locally and internationally,” he said.
The team on arrival at the BIA. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
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