The Indian High Commission of Sri Lanka announced that 1990 ambulance service is now available island wide.

The Emergency Ambulance Service was launched in the Eastern Province in a special ceremony held today in Ampara. Daya Gamage, Minister of Primary Industries and Social Empowerment, Dr. Harsha de Silva Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution, Anoma Gamage, Deputy Minister of Petroleum Resources Development; Taranjit Singh Sandhu, High Commissioner of India, and other dignitaries graced the occasion.

Indian Foreign Ministry S. Jaishankar addressed the gathering through a special video message. He recalled his personal connect with the project since its inception. Dr. S. Jaishankar noted that the service has become a brand in itself. He also recalled how the service had helped Sri Lanka during floods and the recent terrorist attacks. He also pointed out that the project was a great example of what India and Sri Lanka can achieve together.

High Commissioner of India, Taranjit Singh Sandhu in his address, mentioned that the project symbolizes the spirit of India, which is nothing but the spirit of sharing. He also noted that India will forever remain the ‘First Responder for Sri Lanka’.

The island-wide expansion of the Emergency Ambulance Service was started with the launch in Jaffna in July 2018 wherein Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi joined Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe through a live video conference from New Delhi. The service has been available in Northern Province since July 2018; in Uva since August 2018; in North Central Province since September; in North Western Province since October; Central Province since November 2018; and in Sabaragamuwa Province since January 2019.