Singapore Red Cross & Sri Lanka Red Cross strengthens bilateral relations to assist the most vulnerable

20/07/2017 – Colombo, Sri Lanka:  The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society & the Singapore Red Cross entered into a memorandum of understanding to provide relief and care for the people affected by the recent floods and landslides in Sri Lanka.

The signing ceremony took place today in Colombo witnessed by the Foreign Minister of Singapore Hon. Vivian Balakrishnan and the President of Sri Lanka Red Cross Jagath Abeysinghe.  The Secretary General of Singapore Red Cross Benjamin William and the Deputy Director General of Sri Lanka Red Cross Sudath Madugalle signed on behalf of both the national societies.

This MoU will provide assistance to people who lost everything from the recent floods and landslide disaster.

In the month of May 2017, due to incessant rains that brought in floods and landslides saw over 200 people being killed and over another half a million people affected. Singapore Red Cross was one of the key partners who contributed in the early phase of the emergency operation, where 50,000 USD was provided to run the relief activities. Later on another 50,000 USD was granted in order to support the longer term recovery needs of the people.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore Hon. Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan held bilateral discussions with the President of Sri Lanka Red Cross Jagath Abeysinghe and inquried into progress made since the flood and landslide relief and rescue operation began.

Later on he said that Singapore will continue to stand by Sri Lanka in every aspect, as relations between the two nations are much stronger together.

Meanwhile speaking to media the Secretary General of Singapore Red Cross Mr. Benjamin William said that this relationship with Sri Lanka Red Cross Society will continue beyond the scope of disaster management and will look into areas as to how both the National Societies can contribute better to the welfare of its people.