A gesture of friendship made nearly a decade ago has become a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s healthcare system.
In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over 88 ambulances to Sri Lanka as part of India’s humanitarian outreach.
What began as a donation has since transformed into a fully functional national emergency ambulance service.
On Saturday, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Media Nalinda Jayatissa communicated to PM Modi that the ambulance fleet, originally comprising 88 vehicles, has now expanded to 322.
These ambulances operate round the clock, offering free emergency medical transportation services across the island nation.
According to Jayatissa, the service has responded to over 2.24 million emergency calls since its inception.
Of these, 65% were ‘critical golden hour’ cases, instances where immediate medical attention was crucial to survival.
“That is nearly 1.5 million lives saved up to now due to your generosity,” the minister wrote in his message to PM Modi.
Officials said the ambulance service success story is more than just a public health achievement, it’s a testament to India-Sri Lanka cooperation and regional goodwill.
India’s contribution has not only built trust but also laid a foundation for sustainable healthcare support in the region.
This partnership underscores India’s growing role as a regional first responder and humanitarian leader.
It aligns with New Delhi’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, which prioritizes assistance to neighboring countries in times of need.
India’s commitment to regional humanitarian aid was also evident in the aftermath of the recent earthquake in Myanmar.
Launching ‘Operation Brahma’, the Indian government dispatched 15 tonnes of relief material within 24 hours.
The consignment included tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, generators, and essential medicines.
Further reinforcing its support, India delivered an additional 442 metric tons of food aid last week.
These swift and substantial relief efforts reflect India’s broader diplomatic vision, strengthening ties through timely, life-saving interventions.
From Sri Lanka’s ambulance fleet to Myanmar’s earthquake relief, India’s initiatives highlight the power of humanitarian diplomacy.
As Minister Jayatissa’s letter makes clear, a single gesture made in goodwill can ripple across borders and years, saving lives, building trust, and deepening partnerships in the region.
PM Modi’s 2016 donation has grown into something far greater than its original scale. It now stands as a symbol of enduring friendship and shared progress.
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