Tamil Nadu, the southeastern Indian state with close social-cultural ties with Sri Lanka's Tamil minority, will supply rice and essential medicines to Sri Lanka, supplementing India's humanitarian aid to the island nation gripped by a severe economic crisis.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday thanked Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for accepting Tamil Nadu's request.  The Tamil Nadu Assembly had passed a resolution seeking permission for the same . Responding to that, Jaishankar said that Tamil Nadu government's assistance can supplement what is being provided by the Government of India and informed that Sri Lanka prefers inclusive distribution.

Jaishankar in a letter addressed to Stalin said that the mission in Colombo was consulted over Tamil Nadu's request. it said that the "MEA offers that Tamil Nadu Government's assistance can supplement what is being provided by the Government of India. The Government of Sri Lanka's preference is for inclusive distribution."

Presently, Sri Lanka is struggling with acute food and electricity shortages, forcing the country to seek help from its neighbours. The country is unable to buy sufficient fuel and gas, while the people are being deprived of basic amenities as well.

(SAM)