Pakistani aid to Sri Lanka sparks controversy over expired relief supplies amid Cyclone Ditwah crisis
On Tuesday, images circulating on social media caused controversy after many users claimed they showed Pakistan providing expired supplies as part of emergency relief to Sri Lanka. The photo showed yellow packages stamped with both blue Pakistani and red Sri Lankan flags and appeared to have October 2024 expiration dates.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) December 2: When Pakistan showcased its continued support to flood-stricken Sri Lanka, it was shamefully embarrassed by the well-intentioned gesture. The relief items that were intended for delivery to Colombo, and which had been posted from the Pakistan High Commission, displayed what appeared to be expired product labels.
Pakistan High Commission Deletes the Post
The Pakistan High Commission uploaded images showcasing this aid package on X together with a message encouraging Islamabad's role in supporting the Lake House Flood victims. This image had since been deleted from its site due to the number of responses that it received within hours due to the contents of the image.
This image clearly displayed multiple items that bore expiration labels that read "EXP: 10/2024."
"Relief packages from Pakistan have been successfully delivered to assist our brothers and sisters affected by the recent floods in Sri Lanka, which signifies our unwavering solidarity," the post read.
Social media uproar over apparent expired packages
Social media users paid close attention as many observed through photographs that numerous packages appeared to have expiration labels that were linked to October 2024.
Several of the replies received to the Pakistan High Commission’s post were filled with accusations that Pakistan was "clearing/disposing" of waste by sending expired food supplies as aid.
No official response yet on expiration date claims
Authorities in Pakistan have not yet responded to these claims and there is no confirmation on whether the dates were incorrect, only part of the stocks were affected or if it was a printing mistake. In addition, Lankan agencies have not indicated whether any expired products have been given out or held back from the harmful activities.
Cyclone Ditwah causes widespread flooding and devastation in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been facing serious disasters with massive flooding and infrastructure destruction due to Cyclone Ditwah that have resulted in many areas being cut off and placed tremendous pressure on Sri Lanka's disaster response.
At this time, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has acknowledged that at least 410 people have died and 336 have gone missing up through Tuesday morning from the flooding and landslides resulting from the extreme weather beginning on November 16 of this year.
India intensifies humanitarian support through Operation Sagar Bandhu
The Government of India has started Operation Sagar Bandhu in order to support Sri Lanka in recovering from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. As part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has deployed two Urban Search and Rescue teams of the National Disaster Response Force to provide support to the island nation, thus reaffirming our commitment to the concept of "Neighbourhood First".
As part of its emergency relief efforts to help victims of Cyclone Ditwah, India has delivered 53 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, including 9.5 tonnes of immediate rations sent from two Indian Navy Ships based in Colombo.
Additionally, three Indian Air Force planes have been used to transport another 31.5 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, which includes tents, tarpaulins, blankets, personal hygiene kits, pre-packaged meals, pharmaceuticals & medical equipment, BHISHM cubes (designed to provide emergency shelter) along with a 5-member medical team to provide on-the-job training.
