PM Modi inaugurates ambulance service in Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday digitally launched an India-assisted emergency ambulance service in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the inaugural event via video conference, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the launch of the project as a "major achievement" in the development of Indo-Sri Lankan relations.

Speaking at the event PM Modi said, "theevent marks another major achievement in the development partnership of India and Sri Lanka". He also added, that " ingood times and bad, India has been, and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka."

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Sri Lankan lauded PM Modi and said that India has helped consolidated "our health services.". He alsocongratulated PM Modi for defeating no-confidence motion in the Indian Parliament saying even he had thesame experience.

"During my visit last year, I had promised that India will work for expanding the pre-hospital Emergency Ambulance Service all over Sri Lanka. I am happy that India has fulfilled its promise in a timely manner and we have marked the beginning of the second phase of the service," he said.

Prime Minister Modi further assured that India has, and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka.

"It is not just a coincidence that India has the privilege to be Sri Lanka's partner in establishing this first responder service and in its expansion. In good times and bad, India has been, and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka," he said.

The Prime Minister also noted that Sri Lanka is not just a neighbour, but a trusted partner of India in South Asia.

"When I look at Sri Lanka, I see not only a neighbour, but a very special and trusted partner of India in South Asia and in the Indian Ocean. I believe that our development cooperation with Sri Lanka is an important means for translating our vision of shared progress into reality. Our people should be in constant touch with each other so that we know each other better and become even closer friends," he added.

Among the dignitaries present at the event was Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

India has given a grant of USD 22.8 million- 7.6 million dollars in the first phase and 15.2 million dollars for the country-wide expansion being launched today.

Under the first phase, 88 ambulances have been purchased for the two provinces, while another 209 ambulances are being provided to cover all districts in the country.

Saturday's expansion of follows successful operation in Western n Southern Provinces.Service has already attended 600000 calls, served over 100000 people and handled 30 baby deliveries outside the hospital.

More than1500more jobs to be added with the nationwide expansion and staff will be trained in India and Sri Lanka.

This is India's second largest project in Sri Lanka after the Indian housing project.