Sri Lankan Economic Crisis: TN CM Stalin Flags Off First Consignment Of Relief Material To Island Nation

Stalin flagged off the ship carrying 9,000 tonnes of rice, 200 tonnes of milk powder and 24 tonnes of essential medicines from the Chennai Port.

TN CM Stalin handing over a sample of assistance to Sri Lankan Deputy Ambassador Venkateswaran

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday flagged off the first consignment of relief materials to Sri Lanka to assist the people of the island nation who are hit by the worst economic crisis.

Stalin flagged off the ship carrying 9,000 tonnes of rice, 200 tonnes of milk powder and 24 tonnes of essential medicines from the Chennai Port. The total value of the relief materials is estimated to be Rs 45 crore.

Earlier, Stalin had said that after receiving a nod from the Central government, Tamil Nadu would send 40,000 tonnes of rice, 500 tonnes of milk powder and life-saving drugs to Sri Lanka in batches.

He had also appealed to the people to donate on humanitarian grounds so that necessary items can be bought and sent to Sri Lanka.

In a tweet, TN CM Stalin said, "Handed over a sample of essential items to be shipped to Sri Lanka for helping the people of the island nation to Sri Lankan Deputy Ambassador Venkateswaran."

The move of Tamil Nadu government to send assistance to Sri Lanka comes after the Central government provided a nod to send aid to the people of Sri Lanka who have been affected by the economic crisis. 

Following this, TN CM Stalin thanked Union External Affairs Minister Jaishankar for accepting the request of the state. Stalin also said that he is sure that the humane gesture will be greatly welcomed by all and help to improve the warmth and cordiality between nations. 

(With IANS inputs)