Australia Friday announced to provide an additional $25 million to help Sri Lanka meet urgent food and healthcare needs, as it confronts its worst economic crisis in 70 years.
“During this challenging period, Australia stands with the people of Sri Lanka, especially those experiencing severe hardship”, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.
This additional support brings Australia’s Official Development Assistance response to $75 million.
Australian support will be delivered through UN agencies to provide food, health and nutrition services, access to safe water and essential support for those at risk, including women and children.
“Australia’s continued assistance to Sri Lanka supports our mutual interest in a secure and resilient Indian Ocean and reinforces our 75 year-strong relationship built on cooperation and community connection”, she said.
The extra humanitarian assistance is in addition to the $23 million in ongoing development assistance to Sri Lanka in 2022-23.
