US donates ambulances for Sri Lanka Army

COLOMBO - The US ambassador presented five ambulances Thursday to Sri Lanka Army to assist its de-mining efforts in the island’s north.

The vehicles will ensure that de-mining teams have emergency medical care and transportation at all times, a US embassy statement said.

Since 2009, the US has contributed over $10 million in funding, equipment and training to help the Sri Lanka Army and international de-mining organisations to clear the areas of the northeast, the former war zone.

Last month, the US embassy provided four trucks for humanitarian de-mining activities.

The US government is also working with the army to provide an additional $1 million in de-mining equipment.