In continuation of Pakistan’s support to the people of Sri Lanka following the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwa and in response to the Sri Lankan Government’s appeal for international assistance, NDMA, under the special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, has dispatched further humanitarian relief to Colombo.
NDMA today sent an additional 20 tons of relief items from Lahore to Colombo through a Sri Lankan Airlines commercial flight. The consignment includes tarpaulins sheets and dry milk required for the affected communities in Sri Lanka. NDMA is coordinating with commercial airlines to utilize available belly space on outbound flights, enabling the rapid continuation of relief dispatches to Sri Lanka over the coming days.
This latest consignment follows the deployment of a Pakistan 47-member elite Search and Rescue team of Pak Army along with 6.5 tons of equipment, which were airlifted yesterday from Nur Khan Base to Colombo via C-130. The specialized team is already on ground in Sri Lanka and has commenced rescue operations in coordination with local authorities.
Furthermore, under the Prime Minister’s instructions, NDMA has also sent a major shipment of 200 tons of humanitarian relief items via sea to support medium-term needs of the affected population. At the same time, Pakistan Navy ships and aviation assets are actively participating in relief operations in Sri Lanka, assisting in rescue, transport, and emergency support activities.
NDMA reaffirmed that Pakistan remains committed to extending all possible assistance to Sri Lanka as it faces severe challenges in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa. Pakistan will continue to stand with friendly nations during times of crisis and will maintain its efforts to help reduce the suffering and humanitarian impact of disasters both at home and abroad.
