Bangladesh sends relief aid to cyclone and flood victims in Sri Lanka

Bangladesh has sent relief assistance to Sri Lanka, which has been devastated by flash floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditowa. The relief package includes tents, dry food, mosquito nets, torches, gumboots, vests, hand gloves, rescue helmets and a large quantity of medicines.

On Wednesday, December 3, a transport aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force departed for Sri Lanka carrying emergency relief materials.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the matter in a press release.

According to Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre, the floods and landslides caused by the cyclone have so far claimed 334 lives, while more than 200 people remain missing. Over 20,000 homes have been damaged, and 123,000 people have been relocated to government-run temporary shelters.

ISPR stated that the Sri Lankan government had declared a state of emergency and sought international assistance. The country’s foreign ministry also made a special request to the Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo for essential supplies including food and medicine.

In response, under the directives of the Chief Adviser and with coordination by the foreign ministry, the Armed Forces Division initiated the humanitarian assistance effort. As part of this initiative, the transport aircraft left Dhaka at 8:48am with approximately 10 tonnes of relief materials and will return after handing them over.

ISPR added that the Bangladesh Armed Forces believes this humanitarian support will help reduce the suffering of the affected people in Sri Lanka, and reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to global humanitarian needs as per government directives.