Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called on the Sri Lankan government to provide humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.
Wickremesinghe’s comments come after two powerful earthquakes devastated central Myanmar on Friday, disrupting health services and putting thousands at risk of life-threatening injuries and disease outbreaks.
Issuing a statement, Wickremesinghe highlighted the historic and religious ties between the two countries, particularly through Theravada Buddhism. He noted that the Amarapura and Ramanna sects have strong links with Myanmar.
Referring to Sri Lanka’s response to the 2015 Nepal earthquake, Wickremesinghe said the country sent a military team for emergency operations and was the second-largest aid contributor after India.
“Sri Lanka must act. My proposal is to deploy members of the military’s medical corps to establish a temporary hospital in Myanmar,” he said, adding that the Sri Lanka could also send medical supplies if needed.
Wickremesinghe also cited historical support from Myanmar during the Chola invasions, recalling that King Anawrahta of Bagan had sent aid to King Vijayabahu of Sri Lanka. “If these areas with historic links to Sri Lanka are in need of assistance, we must look into these too,” Wickremesinghe said.
He urged the government to take similar action as during his tenure, when funds were raised to support Gaza. (Newswire)