By Newswire Editorial
The Government of India has agreed to provide a financial grant to Sri Lanka to procure 100 new, fully equipped ambulances for the 1990 Suwa Seriya free National Emergency Ambulance Service.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India to obtain the grant, following a special request made by the Sri Lankan government.
Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing today (10), Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa said the agreement will be signed during discussions with the Indian Health Minister, who is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow (11).
The new ambulances are expected to strengthen the existing Suwa Seriya fleet, which currently consists of 322 ambulances.
According to the government, the existing fleet has experienced an increase in mechanical issues due to extensive use, with ambulances collectively travelling approximately nine million kilometres annually.
The 1990 Suwa Seriya service was launched in 2016 with financial assistance from India and expanded islandwide in 2018.
The free emergency ambulance service currently operates around the clock across all districts, responding to approximately 1,000 to 1,200 patient transportation cases daily.
The Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa to enter into the agreement with the Indian government to secure funding for the new ambulances. (Newswire)