The ambulance service that is to be initiated with Indian government donation is 100 percent owned by the people of Sri Lanka, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva said.
He added that the assets and services of US $ 7.6 million which is a donation by the Indian government free of all bonds comes under the Health Ministry.
“Some groups made remarks such as we are bringing RAW, damaging national security and attempts were underway to bring Indians for employment,” Dr. de Silva said. “They all proved a failure and the people in the country won.”
He made these observations at a ceremony to mark the sending of the first group of youths to Hyderabad to obtain training of the new ambulance service - Prehospital Care Ambulance Service.
The ceremony was held at the BMICH presided by the Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister on Friday.
The programme, Partnering For Saving Lives which is a new experience to Sri Lanka was organised jointly by the Health Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
He said the government has singed a Memorandum of Understanding with GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute in India for two years only to assure the programme is carried out smoothly.
Deputy Minister de Silva said the donation was made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sri Lanka.
He added that it was him who suggested the project to Prime Minister Wickremesinghe.
The proposal is based on one of his friend's experiences in which the victim's life could be saved due to him being careful transported to hospital, he added.
The Deputy Minister said the proposal was made to the Indian Prime Minister who agreed without any reluctance.
“Indian Prime Minister Modi said the donation signifies the cordial relationship between India and Sri Lanka,” Dr de Silva. “This is a result of the healthy foreign policy maintained by our government”.
The deputy minister said this service is first introduced only to the Western Province and the Southern Province.
“There is a shortage of 200 ambulances to provide this service across the country,” Dr. Silva said. “The private sector could also get involved.”
Health Services Director General Dr. Palitha Maheepala said this programme fills a gap that was needed to provide a commendable health service to the country.
Six hundred are to be sent to Hyderabad for the training. The training is 52 days. The first batch consists of 25 persons.
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