India sends 40k tonnes of diesel to Sri Lanka under credit line facility

India today supplied another 40,000 tonnes of diesel to the economic-crisis plagued Sri Lanka under the credit line facility to the island nation.

Last month, India extended an additional USD 500 million credit line to help Sri Lanka import fuel as the country has been struggling to pay for imports after its foreign exchange reserves fell sharply in recent times, causing a devaluation of its currency and spiralling inflation, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

"Pumping diesel into #SriLanka!!! Another 40,000 MT consignment of diesel under the credit line from #India reached #Colombo today," the Indian High Commission in Colombo tweeted.

The mission had said on Friday that an Indian ship laden with urgent relief supplies like rice, medicines and milk powder for the people of Sri Lanka is scheduled to reach Colombo tomorrow (May 22, 2022).

The first consignment comprises 9,000 tonnes of rice, milk powder and 24 tonnes of life-saving medicines with a combined value of Rs 45 crore.

Several private and social organisations from India have sent assistance to Sri Lanka to meet various urgent requirements.

India has forked out around USD 3.5 billion to help Sri Lanka since January this year. In addition, medicines and dry rations have also been sent by India on grant basis, the high commission said in a statement.