Tri-Forces Special Team departs for Myanmar to provide disaster relief

A specialized medical and disaster relief team, consisting of 26 members from the Sri Lanka tri-services led by Brigadier Punya Karunathilake, has departed for Myanmar on a special flight on Saturday, to assist those affected by the recent earthquake in that country.
These disaster relief operations are being conducted under the supervision of Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.), following directives from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. It is noteworthy that the tri-service Commanders promptly mobilized these special relief teams within a very short time frame, a statement from the President’s Media Division said.   
These supplies were donated by the people of Sri Lanka, under the guidance of the Venerable Maha Sangha, led by the Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist chapters, and are being sent to the Myanmar government, the statement further said.   
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had coordinated the diplomatic arrangements for this mission. Sri Lanka’s national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, has also supported this humanitarian effort, according to the President’s Media Division.   
These operations reflect Sri Lanka’s commitment, alongside the Ministry of Defence and the tri-forces, to enhancing regional cooperation and providing essential support to friendly nations in times of crisis, the statement said.