India hands over 21,000 tonnes of urea to crisis-hit Sri Lanka

India on Monday handed over 21,000 tonnes of fertiliser to Sri Lanka under a special support programme which will help farmers in this country and help bolster bilateral cooperation for food security, the second such assistance in recent months to the crisis-hit island nation.

“Adding to the fragrance of friendship and cooperation. High Commissioner (Gopal Baglay) formally handed over 21,000 tonnes of fertiliser supplied under India’s special support to the people of Sri Lanka,” the Indian High Commission said in a tweet.

This follows 44,000 tonnes supplied last month under Indian support totalling about USD 4 billion in 2022,” it said.

“The fertiliser will contribute to food security and support the farmers of Sri Lanka. It demonstrates benefits to the people from close ties with #India and mutual trust and goodwill between #India and #lanka,” the mission tweeted.

In May, India assured Sri Lanka to immediately supply 65,000 metric tonnes of urea to avoid any disruption to the current Yala (rice) cultivation season in Sri Lanka.