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<p>The UK is closely monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka, particularly as it relates
to the supply of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment supplies. The UK contributes
to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Disaster
Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) Operation in Sri Lanka. The DREF is supporting the Sri
Lanka Red Cross with an allocation of CHF691,002 in response to shortages and civil
unrest. It will support with the provision of essential medicine, first aid and psychosocial
support. We are also working to support the United Nations (UN) and its agencies in
the coordination of their response based on the UN's recent joint Humanitarian Needs
and Priorities (HNP) Plan, launched on 9 June. This called for US$47.2 million to
provide life-saving assistance to 1.7 million people who are most at risk and need
immediate support. The World Bank have announced assistance of US$400 million, which
includes funds to meet medicines and medical equipment needs. The UK is a major donor
of the UN and World Bank.</p><p><br>The UK recognises the difficult economic situation
and welcomes the ongoing in-depth discussions with the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) on reforms needed to bring the economy back to a sustainable path. The Prime
Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe on 30 May and
underlined the UK's continued support to the people of Sri Lanka during these economic
difficulties.</p>
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