ISLAMABAD – In response to the widespread devastation caused by a severe storm in Sri Lanka, the Pakistani government has extended continued relief efforts following a request for assistance from the Sri Lankan government.
On the direct orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a specialized Pakistani search and rescue team of Pakistan Army was sent to Sri Lanka on Wednesday to aid in ongoing rescue operations. A C-130 aircraft from the Pakistan Air Force carrying 47 team members and 6.5 tons of vital rescue equipment was deployed to support the humanitarian efforts.
The ceremony marking the departure of the aid consignment was attended by Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, and Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne (Rtd).
Speaking during the event, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry emphasized that the NDMA remains steadfast in its commitment to disaster response and alleviating the impact of crises both within Pakistan and abroad. In gratitude, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne thanked the people and government of Pakistan for their swift and valuable support.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also engaged in discussions with the President of Sri Lanka on the situation and reached out to other countries impacted by the cyclone, including Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Additionally, the NDMA arranged for relief shipments through Sri Lankan Airlines, connecting Colombo with Lahore.
Earlier, following the Prime Minister’s instructions, the NDMA also dispatched 200 tons of emergency supplies to Sri Lanka via sea transport. The supplies included family tents, blankets, quilts, life jackets, inflatable boats, de-watering pumps, lamps, mosquito nets, infant formula, ready-to-eat meals, and essential medicines.
Pakistan Navy ships and helicopters are already actively involved in relief operations on the ground in Sri Lanka. In response to a specific request from Sri Lanka’s President, Pakistan is also sending temporary bridges from the Pakistan Army to help restore access in the affected areas.
