First Vessel Carrying Relief Materials for Sri Lanka Left from Chennai Port

The first vessel carrying relief materials for the neighboring nation Sri Lanka left Chennai Port as the nation was under economic stress. It was announced by the state government of Tamil Nadu and flagged off by the Chief Minister.

The relief materials worth a cost of Rs.45 crores, dispatched include nine-thousand metric tonnes of rice, two hundred tonnes of milk powder, and twenty-four tonnes of essential medicines. It is the first part of the over 40-thousand metric tons of rice, five hundred metric tons of milk powder, and lifesaving medicines, that are being mobilized by the Tamil Nadu government.

The state administration has been receiving contributions from the willing public for the noble cause. Regarding this, a private member resolution was brought by the Chief Minister in the state assembly. The neighboring island country now faces a fiscal deficit amounting to 13% of the gross domestic product (GDP).

The first batch of relief materials was dispatched due to the close coordination between the state government and the Central government.

The Srilankan government heavily subsidized domestic prices of fuel and banned the import of chemical fertilizers, which devastated the agriculture sector. The country is facing shortages of almost everything from food, and medicines to cooking gas have resulted in social unrest and political turmoil. 

   Important points for the exam:

• The first vessel carrying relief materials for the neighboring nation Sri Lanka left Chennai Port.
• It was announced by the state government of Tamil Nadu through a private member resolution that was brought in the state assembly and flagged off by the Chief Minister.
• The relief materials worth a cost of Rs.45 crores, dispatched include nine-thousand metric tonnes of rice, two hundred tonnes of milk powder, and twenty-four tonnes of essential medicines.
• The state administration has been receiving contributions from the willing public for the noble cause. 

   Facts to know:

• Capitals of Sri Lanka: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
• Currency of Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan rupee.
• Prime Minister of Sri Lanka: Mr.Ranil Wickremesinghe.
• President of Sri Lanka: Mr.Gotabaya Rajapaksa.