Sri Lanka, Dec. 1 -- Former Sri Lankan ambassador Kananathan has called on the government to urgently reform its policy on overseas relief donations, describing current regulations as outdated, restrictive, and obstructive to humanitarian aid.

Speaking on the issue, Kananathan highlighted that the Kenyan Sri Lankan diaspora had organized two 40-foot containers of new clothing, dry rations, medicines, and essential supplies for disaster-affected communities. However, under existing rules, such donations from individuals and private organizations cannot be cleared duty-free, causing delays, extra costs, and, in some cases, complete obstruction of aid.

"The country cannot afford bureaucratic obstacles that prevent vital aid from reaching t...