Govt donates B6.3m to embattled Sri Lanka

Govt donates B6.3m to embattled Sri Lanka

The government has donated medical supplies and cash worth 6.3 million baht to the government of Sri Lanka.

The handover ceremony was held yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and was joined by Chaminda Colonne, the Sri Lankan ambassador to Thailand.

MFA Vice Minister Vijavat Isarabhakdi said the two countries have enjoyed a long, fruitful and friendly relationship.

He said the donation was the product of collaboration from the public and private sectors including Thailand's Department of Disease Control, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation, the Thai Red Cross, the Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Somdet Phra Sangharaja Wat Bovoranives Vihara Foundation under Royal Patronage, Praram Kao Kanchanaphisek temple, and the Foreign Ministry.

Ms Colonne expressed her gratitude to Thailand for the donation.

She said Sri Lanka and Thailand have a relationship stretching back 800 years since the spread of Theravada Buddhism, or Lankavamsa, from the island nation to the kingdom.

During the 18th century, Thailand helped Sri Lanka revive Buddhism after the decline of the religion. King Boromkot, or Maha Thammarachathirat II of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, sent a group of high-ranking Buddhist monks there in 1753 for the mission.

"Thailand is always by our side during hard times," she added.

She provided updates on the situation in her country, saying the government is gradually restoring economic and political stability.

"It is a great honour for our regional partner, especially a friendly partner like Thailand, to extend its assistance to aid such a recovery by lowering tariffs, providing or increasing quotas or implementing special document schemes and helping Sri Lankan industries by providing technical assistance."

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