Australia Delivers Lifesaving Equipment to Strengthen Sri Lanka’s Disaster Response

COLOMBO (News 1st); A 40-foot container of lifesaving and emergency response equipment has been delivered to Sri Lanka with the support of the people of Australia, the lifesaving community, Life Saving Victoria (LSV), and logistics partner Transco Cargo.

The consignment includes lifejackets, rescue tubes, rescue boards, and other first responder equipment, and was formally handed over to Sri Lanka Life Saving (SLLS).

The equipment will be used exclusively for humanitarian purposes, with a focus on strengthening disaster response capacity in cyclone-affected and vulnerable communities across the country.

The ceremonial handover took place at the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and was attended by several distinguished guests, including Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Matthew Duckworth and Director General of the Disaster Management Centre, Major General (Retired) Sampath Kotuwegoda, among others.

Speaking at the event, High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth said both Australia and Sri Lanka understand the critical importance of lifesaving and drowning prevention. He expressed pride in the collaboration between Surf Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Sri Lanka, noting that the equipment is vital both for public safety in beaches and waterways and for emergency response during disasters such as floods and cyclones, which affect both countries.

Director General of the Disaster Management Centre, Maj. Gen. Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd), said lifesaving equipment donated by the Victoria Life Saving Association was received through the DMC. On behalf of the DMC and the Government of Sri Lanka, he extended gratitude to the Australian Government and Life Saving Victoria for their generous support during a time of need.

CEO of Sri Lanka Life Saving, Asanka Nanayakkara, said the equipment will be distributed to member clubs beginning from the following day, where it will be used to support disaster response efforts in rural communities. 

The initiative forms part of SLLS’s ongoing commitment to empower trained community lifesavers to respond effectively within the first 24 hours of a disaster, a period considered critical before formal emergency services arrive. 

The equipment will significantly enhance the operational readiness of SLLS Community First Flood Response Teams, which operate under the framework of the Disaster Management Centre.