Suwa Seriya gets new lease of life

SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva on Friday received a stock of medicine and equipment from India to continue the ‘1990 Suwa Seriya’ ambulance service of which the future had been uncertain owing to the lack of funds.

Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay handed over to Dr de Silva the consignment which consists medicine and equipment.

Dr De Silva said that he was thankful to India for helping the 1990 Suwa Seriya to get a new lease of life following his request to the Indian government.

He said he made numerous requests to the Lankan government to get assistance to maintain the ambulance service.

Addressing Parliament in the previous sitting week, Dr. de Silva requested the government to take immediate steps to allocate necessary funds for Suwa Seriya.

“I take full responsibility for my statement. Funds are no longer available to continue operations of the service. Therefore, the future of the service is uncertain. We do not know whether it will have to be shut down tomorrow. This is an important emergency service. Over 1,000 people countrywide obtain the services of Suwa Seriya. I request the government to take immediate action to allocate funds to continue Suwa Seriya,” he said.