Colombo, April 6 — A team of Sri Lankan tri-forces personnel, including medical and disaster relief staff, departed for Myanmar on Saturday aboard a special flight to assist victims of the devastating earthquake that struck the country on March 28.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said that the relief mission was dispatched under the guidance of the Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist Chapters in Sri Lanka. The deployment includes three separate military teams tasked with rescue operations, medical care, and humanitarian assistance.
The Sri Lankan government has also pledged USD 1 million in financial aid to support relief efforts in Myanmar.
The Ministry confirmed that the first team left the island on Saturday, carrying essential relief supplies for the affected communities. Two more teams are expected to follow.
In addition to state-led efforts, the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic) announced it is collecting LKR 15 million as a separate donation for earthquake victims, emphasizing the long-standing religious and cultural ties between Myanmar and Sri Lanka, both of which practice Theravāda Buddhism.
The March 28 earthquake has left a devastating toll, with over 3,100 confirmed deaths, nearly 5,000 injured, and more than 370 people still reported missing, according to international reports.
This relief mission reflects not only a humanitarian commitment but also a gesture of solidarity grounded in shared spiritual heritage.
