Seven ships belonging to a trio of nations rush to Sri Lanka with relief measures
 

Seven (7) ships belonging to a trio of nations rushed to Sri Lanka with relief teams and materials following the worst flash floods experienced by the island nation since 2003. Accordingly, neighbouring countries like India and Pakistan and the Chinese Government promptly directed their ships, some of which were involved in various other missions, to the island nation to engage in rescue and flood recovery efforts.

Responding first to the distress call of its closest neighbour, India sent 3 ships, INS ‘Kirch’ ‘Shardul’ and ‘Jalashwa’ on 27th, 28th and 30th of May. The medical, lifesaving and diving personnel aboard ships actively took part in rescue and relief missions in various flood ridden areas of the country in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Navy. In addition, a number of small boats to be deployed in flooded regions and large quantities of dry ration, drinking water and medicine had also been supplied to step up the rescue and relief efforts. Out of the three ships, INS ‘Kirch’ which was patrolling in the Indian territorial waters, had took new course towards Sri Lanka when this eventuality came into light.

Being a good companion of Sri Lanka for a long period of time, Pakistan also dispatched a naval ship, PNS ‘Zulfiquar’ to the port of Colombo on 30th May, to assist in relief operations for the community hard hit by the adverse weather. This also included 3 teams of medical personnel. Along with the on-board crew, a large stock of essential commodities such as; dry ration, bottles of drinking water and medicine had been channeled to Sri Lanka.

In the similar vein, three ships of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) arrived in Colombo yesterday (31) in order to augment the ongoing relief operations, following the adverse weather that wreaked havoc in Sri Lanka during the last week. The ships which were initially on a goodwill visit to Sri Lanka, subsequently focused their intentions on relief efforts to help the general public battered by inclement weather. Accordingly, PLA Navy ships, “Chang Chun”, “Jing Zhou” and “Chao Hu” set sail to the Colombo harbour with relief teams and related materials.

Responding to a request from the Sri Lankan Government, Australia too provided aid to meet urgent needs, including the deployment of high-grade inflatable boats and outboard motors to expedite search and rescue efforts.

The prompt response of overseas countries reiterates the strong multilateral relationship of Sri Lanka with the countries in the world. Moreover, the greater cooperation of the Sri Lanka Navy with the navies of the rest of the world through fruitful deliberation and partnerships had paid rich dividends particularly in this nature of eventuality.