Sri Lanka: Sanath Jayasuriya Requests India For Medicines As Debt Crisis Worsens

Sanath Jayasuriya requested India for obtaining medical supplies including essential cancer medicines and other life-saving drugs,

Indian High Commissioner met cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya

New Delhi: Former Sri Lanka cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya has sought India’s assistance to obtain essential medicines for the island nation that is facing its worst economic crisis.

Jayasuriya met the Indian High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay on Thursday where he appreciated India’s support.

"The ace cricketer appreciated India’s support in the form of essential supplies, including medicines,” the Indian mission in Sri Lanka tweeted.

High Commissioner met cricket legend @Sanath07 and hailed his many achievements for the sport and #SriLanka. The ace cricketer appreciated India’s support in the form of essential supplies, including medicines. pic.twitter.com/osftc0rfYK

— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) April 28, 2022

Sanath has requested the diplomat for Indian aid in obtaining medical supplies, which has become a critical issue due to the current economic crisis. Jayasuriya specifically requested the supply of essential cancer medicines and other life-saving drugs.

Earlier, the former cricketer had praised India for its “big brother” approach and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending help to the island nation.

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Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst economic crises resulting in widespread protests against the Rajapaksa family leaders, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and PM Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The recession is due to shortages in foreign exchange caused by a fall in tourism during the pandemic along with the reckless economic policies. It has become difficult for the country to procure enough fuel and people are forced to face acute scarcity of food and basic necessities, fuel, and gas.

The World Bank has agreed to provide Sri Lanka with $600m in financial assistance to help meet payment requirements for essential imports.