Colombo: The Australian Department of Defense extending its support has donated a large consignment of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) overalls and gloves to Sri Lanka armed forces battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The High Commissioner of Australia David Holly this morning (29) handed over the consignment to Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief of Defense Staff and Commander of the Army at the Army Headquarters.

The consignment comprised 10,200 high-quality PPE overalls and 200,000 gloves, manufactured by Sri Lanka-based Australian firm Ansel to the value of AUD 150,000.

The Australian High Commissioner, expressing support of the Australian Department of Defense to minimize further transmission of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka told the Head of NOCPCO that his government is committed to continue its support to Sri Lanka's preparedness and response for COVID-19 through a variety of implementing partners.

Appreciative of the Australian symbol of solidarity and goodwill, Lieutenant General Silva acknowledged the generosity and extended his best wishes to the Australian Department of Defense for their brotherly understanding and solidarity. "We are very grateful to you for the support as this is a real need for our tri service personnel struggling to combat this threat. No country would say 'no' to this kind of assistance at this moment because everyone would need such protection at this hour to get the protection for others," the Commander remarked.

Defense Advisor in the Australian High Commission and representatives of Ansell Lanka were also associated with the meeting at the Commander’s office.

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