🇦🇺 Australia Pledges AUD 2 Mn Assistance for Sri Lanka Dengue Control & Disaster Recovery 🤝

Australia’s Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs, Tim Watts, has concluded his visit to Sri Lanka, reaffirming Canberra’s commitment to bilateral cooperation across dengue prevention, disaster preparedness, maritime security, and trade & investment. • Health Assistance & Dengue Control: Australia announced AUD 2 Mn in development assistance to support the proposed Sri Lanka Wolbachia Project aimed at controlling mosquito-borne dengue infections following Cyclone Ditwah. • Humanitarian & Emergency Response: Funding is part of Australia's broader AUD 7 Mn humanitarian package. The visit featured the ceremonial handover of two inflatable rescue boats to the Disaster Management Centre, with disaster assessment drones scheduled for delivery to the National Building Research Institute. • Maritime Transshipment & Logistics: Watts inspected the South Asia Gateway Terminal at the Port of Colombo, highlighting Sri Lanka's strategic position as a regional transshipment hub and discussing shared Indian Ocean maritime interests. • Bilateral Sectoral Engagement: Discussions with Mass Media Deputy Minister Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne focused on opportunities in the media sector, alongside engagements with the Australia-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Pathfinder Foundation on regional connectivity and economic stability.