13/06/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 11 June, the European Commission announced it had released €160,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance to help the victims of the recent floods and landslides in Sri Lanka brought about by the monsoon rains. Financed by ECHO, this assistance is to be mobilised within 72 hours. It is intended for some 17,500 people in the seven most affected districts of the country, and priority is to be given to those who have been displaced. The aid supports the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society in delivering cash grants to families. Access to clean water and sanitation, particularly through the cleaning of wells with contaminated water, and access to basic medical services will also be financed by this aid, together with hygiene awareness sessions to avoid the spread of waterborne diseases. (AN)