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EU provides EUR 22 million grant to Sri Lanka

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9 April 2020 11:23 am - 24     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The European Union (EU) said it will provide a EUR 22 million grant to support Sri Lanka's COVID19 response.

The EU and its Member States are working with partners around the world to tackle the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate the effects of the crisis, the EU said in a statement.

The EU’s response follows a ‘Team Europe’ approach, aimed at saving lives by providing quick and targeted support.

This includes improving the preparedness for and response to the outbreak, and funding research to support the development of coronavirus vaccines and medication to help those affected.

Sri Lanka’s very low number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far is impressive. To support Sri Lankan efforts further, the European Union is targeting three sectors: health, agriculture and tourism.

For health, the EU will be providing EUR 2 million for equipment and medical supplies to be procured by the World Health Organisation and to strengthen laboratory networks in the country.

Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector will benefit from EUR 16.5 million funding. In these trying times, maintaining open trade and safeguarding the supply chains, especially agricultural and health supply chains, is essential to the well-being of the population. This funding will take into account the impact of Covid-19 by mobilising more private capital in rural areas and by assisting small businesses and workers in the Uva and Central Provinces. Finally, the European Union will support the Sri Lankan tourism industry with a EUR 3.5 million grant, in particular the smaller operators and their employees. Some of the assistance will be provided immediately and the rest will be delivered later in the year and will continue thereafter.

This was discussed during a meeting between the EU Delegation, the Ambassadors of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania and Task Force Chair Basil Rajapaksa on 08 April 2020, during which they also commended the Government of Sri Lanka for the close cooperation in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its citizens and European tourists.

The Ambassadors of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania and the EU Delegation said “We are impressed with the low number of cases in Sri Lanka so far. The European Union and its Member States are looking at the best way to support these efforts, and have mobilised EUR 15.6 billion overall to tackle the consequences of COVID-19, and to improve preparedness further. It is only together that we can fight the spread of coronavirus and alleviate its human and economic consequences around the world.”


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  Comments - 24

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  • Asiri Gune Thursday, 09 April 2020 11:39 AM

    Great news and to go ahead with the tasks in hand. All Sri Lankans can support and make your country proud.

    Transparency Thursday, 09 April 2020 11:44 AM

    My sincere wish is all the expenses are properly AUDITED and available to public with FULL TRANSPARENCY - knowing the nature of the set of politicians present and past. We have enough experience about the background of all these politicians.

    MKS Thursday, 09 April 2020 12:00 PM

    Anandaya naya dutuwehida

    ANTON Thursday, 09 April 2020 12:30 PM

    OK , THE INPUT IS VERY CLEAR BUT HOW ARE THEY GOING TO DEFINE THE OUT PUT.

    NW Thursday, 09 April 2020 12:34 PM

    At least now stop criticising from whom we eat...

    CITIZEN Thursday, 09 April 2020 12:40 PM

    A STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE DULY AUDITED BY THE AUDITOR GENERAL OF THESE FUNDS IS A MUST. WE REMEMBER WHAT MR AND BR DID FOR TSUNAMI FUNDS. ALSO MONIES FROM THE SALE OF ARMY HQRS ALSO DID NOT GO TO GOVT ACCOUNT

    Adam Speak Thursday, 09 April 2020 12:58 PM

    Thank God Europeans and Americans know the value of Sri Lanka as a safe destination in times of pandemics.

    Hawk-eye Thursday, 09 April 2020 01:24 PM

    Well said ... Sir !

    Nalaka Herath Thursday, 09 April 2020 01:09 PM

    Can anybody tell me to where these money are being directed. Now various donation are coming to COVID – 19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund, so now it has become a huge amount. How can we rely on the people behind this money collection. What would happen ultimately?

    Nayindu Thursday, 09 April 2020 01:12 PM

    Our people will take the money from the west but will keep bashing the west. But we sing praises of China even though they introduced this virus to the world. Sadly Sri Lankan media don't even report on the coverups and negligence of the Chinese communist party

    C.K.Lankaputhra Thursday, 09 April 2020 01:31 PM

    Shall not be another Sunami gimmic for helping Humbanthota only.

    Mann Thursday, 09 April 2020 01:41 PM

    At these trying circumstances whatever the receipt it is highly appreciated, one or two zeros on right side would have been much beautiful.

    Mera Mulana Thursday, 09 April 2020 02:00 PM

    A gift on a platter to BR . Richer by 22 million Euros for Basil .

    Avanka Thursday, 09 April 2020 02:10 PM

    The comment of. Transparency above is very relevant. The people handling the monies should be scruplously honest and patriotic.

    Nuwan Thursday, 09 April 2020 02:28 PM

    Here is the deal. What are the conditions? What ever that may be developed countries will have a vested interest in protecting the developing. In free trade, poverty contributes to the wealth creation.

    varuna Thursday, 09 April 2020 02:33 PM

    Wow...now the EU and the UN have become so good to this government. No more conspiracy accusations against them?

    prabath uduwella Thursday, 09 April 2020 02:47 PM

    This is a grant and not a Chinese loan. At least someone who is suffering from coronavirus knows how to relieve other nation from loan sharks. Can the government have wisdom not to obtain loans from loan sharks from now on.

    Neville Thursday, 09 April 2020 02:58 PM

    Ask Mangala whether parliament should reconvene to get this grant also ?

    saman Thursday, 09 April 2020 03:00 PM

    Sri Lanka should help EU!

    Allush Thursday, 09 April 2020 03:16 PM

    Question is will it reach the citizens or politicians pocket ? We have good experience from the past from the days of Tsunami Total money which came in to lanka 1.2 million usd 22million EUR Hope this will be declared to public for transparency ..

    R.P.Pnchihewa Thursday, 09 April 2020 03:21 PM

    Tourism industry include, Hotels, Resorts, and accommodation providers, transport providers, tour operators, travel agents, guides, and all service providers, water sports, safari jeep, entertainment centers, spa and wellness centers,etc,etc

    Lasantha de Silva Thursday, 09 April 2020 03:35 PM

    EU Provides Grants. China Provides Loans.

    Johan Thursday, 09 April 2020 03:48 PM

    Another debt trap. Last month 500 m dollars from China and again in June 700 m dollars from China and EU 22 m Euros.One party is paying Back Other party is borrowing only

    Sil nethi Basil Thursday, 09 April 2020 03:59 PM

    A Bonus for Sil nethi Basil . The family will be richer by EUR 22 million .


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Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

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