UNICEF and Rotary International partner to deliver critical lifesaving supplies to families impacted by the crisis in Sri Lanka

As the economic crisis in Sri Lanka deepens, UNICEF and Rotary International are partnering to deliver lifesaving medicines, clean drinking water, education materials, and other critical supplies to children and families in the country.

The partnership will capitalize on Rotary International‘s global network along with the alumni of Sri Lanka’s leading schools to raise funds from the Sri Lankan community living overseas. Well-wishers can also donate through the online platform www.lifelinesrilanka.rotary.unicef.org.au to give a lifeline to Sri Lankans during the current crisis. UNICEF will use the collected funds to procure essential medicines, medical equipment, water purifiers, and school stationery to support vulnerable communities facing severe shortages across the country.

The partnership was launched today in Colombo by UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, Mr. George Laryea-Adjei and UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative, Mr. Christian Skoog together with Zone Director of Rotary International, Mr. A S Venkatesh, and Sri Lanka Rotary District Governor Ms. Pubudu de Zoysa.

“UNICEF is delighted to partner with Rotary International. The partnership is timely and comes at a time when families are struggling to afford regular meals, medicines stocks are depleting rapidly, and schools do not have basic stationery. Time is of essence, and we need to urgently meet the needs of the most vulnerable children and families.” said UNICEF Regional Director George Laryea-Adjei. “Through this partnership, we are hoping that our combined strengths will help deliver timely support to the families that need it most,” he said.

Complimenting the UNICEF and Rotary teams in Sri Lanka, Rotary International’s Zone Director A.S. Venkatesh said “I was very happy to support the idea of this unique partnership when the Rotary International Board met to discuss this proposal. Our Board fully endorses this project and is happy that Rotarians in the country are playing a critical role in supporting Sri Lanka in this time of distress.”