Sri Lanka pledges $1 Mn in aid for Myanmar

Sri Lanka has pledged $1 million in humanitarian aid to support Myanmar’s earthquake relief and recovery efforts, Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra said.  

During a meeting in Bangkok with Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe, Hemachandra conveyed Sri Lanka’s condolences and solidarity with the people of Myanmar. He also revealed plans to send medical teams and provide health sector assistance.  

The two officials discussed strengthening ties between the countries, focusing on Buddhist cultural diplomacy, education, vocational training, and trade expansion. They also emphasized the importance of BIMSTEC, a regional group promoting cooperation in the Bay of Bengal.  

Hemachandra thanked Myanmar for helping repatriate Sri Lankans trapped in cybercrime-related trafficking and urged continued cooperation to bring back more affected individuals. Both nations agreed on the need for a long-term regional solution to illegal immigration through stronger diplomatic efforts.