Canada Increases Humanitarian Aid to Sri Lanka

At the conclusion of her visit to Sri Lanka, Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced an increase in critical humanitarian aid to assist the civilians displaced by the ongoing civil war in the country. ‘This tragic situation for the civilians is of grave concern and our government is responding to the increasing need for assistance,’ stated Minister Oda. ‘This additional funding will provide essential food, water, shelter and medical care to the displaced populations. We are strongly urging all parties to immediately cease fire and facilitate access for humanitarian workers to give the urgently needed assistance.’ The Government of Canada will provide funding of $3 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross, Medecins Sans Frontieres, the World Food Program and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.