The Rotary International President Jennifer Jones and the UNICEF Representative for Sri Lanka, Christian Skoog, handed over LKR 47 million worth of medicines under the Lifeline project, to the Minister of Health, Keheliya Rambukwella, to help the delivery of health services at a time the country is facing shortages due to the economic crisis.
The medicines valued at U$D 130,000 (approx. 47 million LKR) were urgently procured by UNICEF with funds raised by Rotary’s global network and alumni through the online donation platform https://lifelinesrilanka.rotary.unicef.org.au
“We are happy to present the 1st consignment of the medicines to the Ministry of Health so that the people of Sri Lanka can be served,” said Jennifer Jones. “Rotary will continue to find ways of supporting the country which is very special. Your country has such wonderful people with smiling faces all the time. We must make sure to save that smile in the future,” she said.
This consignment of medicines will support various types of treatment including for women during childbirth, pain management, and hypertension.
“The protracted nature of the crisis is stretching vital social services such as healthcare and education. UNICEF is using its procurement and logistics expertise and leveraging its partnerships to deliver lifesaving supplies to families,” said Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative for Sri Lanka. “Despite some improvements in the economic situation in Sri Lanka, the needs of the most vulnerable children and families remain acute, and we are seeking the support of multiple stakeholders to help sustain and scale up our assistance,” he said.
The former President of Rotary International, K.R. Ravindran, and the Rotary Sri Lanka Governor Pubudu De Soyza were also present at the event. Explaining the initiative, past Rotary International President K R Ravindran said “As 80 per cent of our medical supplies are imported, with foreign currency reserves running out because of the economic crisis, essential medicines are not available, and our healthcare system is close to collapse. Lives are in peril, surgeries are being postponed and children and pregnant women are most at risk. This is the reality, and we must accept it and then find ways to help Sri Lanka. I am glad that the Global president is present to hand over the stocks to the Government of Sri Lanka,” said Ravindran.
In August this year, Rotary International and UNICEF partnered to raise funds to support the delivery of life-saving medicines, clean drinking water, education materials, and other critical supplies to children and families impacted by the economic crisis across the country.
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