DOHA: The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha facilitated the first air shipment of 150 oxygen cylinders and 22 pulse oximeters to the Government of Sri Lanka, as part of efforts to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
The donation was made by the Sri Lankan expatriate community, well-wishers and LuLu Group International in Doha as a result of an urgent request made by Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Qatar M. Mafaz Mohideen, regarding the dramatic increase in COVID-19 infections and deaths in the country and the shortage of medical equipment for more critical cases, the Sri Lanka Embassy said in a statement.
The Embassy facilitated the sending of the consignment of 150 Oxygen Cylinders to Sri Lanka. SriLankan Airlines airlifted the cargo on a gratis basis at the request of the Embassy. The Embassy wishes to express sincere appreciation to the donors who took a lead in this initiative.
The Embassy also wishes to thank the Chairman of SriLankan Airlines Ashok Pathirage, and Country Manager of SriLankan Airlines Thusitha Wickramasinghe for the excellent support extended towards this noble cause.
The consignment of cylinders and pulse oximeters were delivered to Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka, and are expected to be distributed among Government hospitals to reinforce the capacity of the health sector ensuring Sri Lanka to overcome this critical situation.
The Embassy continues to facilitate the supply of medical equipment for the Government of Sri Lanka during this crucial time.
Earlier, Ambassador Mafaz Mohideen had met with Secretary-General of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) Ali bin Hassan Al-Hammadi. During the discussion, they reviewed the prospects for humanitarian cooperation between QRCS and Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, whether in serving the Sri Lankan community in Qatar or providing aid for the underserved communities in Sri Lanka, as well as the COVID-19 situation in the island.
Mr. Al-Hammadi conveyed that he will extend help to the people of Sri Lanka, through coordination with Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, as a strategic partner of QRCS with special focus on addressing the gaps in medical equipment, medications, and other supplies immediately.
Mr. Al-Hammadi noted that QRCS has engaged in numerous humanitarian operations particularly in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sectors, with hundreds of wells dug and water tanks and pumps installed in Sri Lanka. The meeting was attended by Head of International Relations and International Humanitarian Law, Dr. Fawzi Oussedik and Head of International Development Naglaa Al-Hajj.
