Friday, December 31, 2004

Where we are heading next

The generosity of people both here in Sri Lanka and in far corners of the world, from all walks of life have been tremendous. On top of the much needed funds, the words of encouragement they give us are very encouraging, and they keep us going. So a very big thank you to all of you for being with us at this time!

We have been working through the night into the wee hours of the mornings – some of us making relief packs, and others answering e-mails and phone calls to co-ordinate our activities.

There will be a group of us leaving to Batticaloa early morning tomorrow with items required immediately – water purification units, some medications, sleeping mats and bedsheets, clothes etc. Our group will be working with the Rotary Club of Batticaloa and during this visit will conduct medical camps to provide much needed care for the injured. But more importantly, they will look into possible areas where we can help rebuild the livelihoods lost, and provide long term assistance to develop an area. As you may know, some villages have been wiped off by the tidal waves, with no trace of their existence left!

We will keep you updated of the ground situation when they get back.

May the force be with all of you!

Tharanga.

Monday, December 27, 2004

Introduction

This site was initiated to co-ordinate collection and distribution of relief items to the victims of the single largest disaster to hit Sri Lanka on the morning of December 26th.

As you would have learned by now, a massive tsunami hit Sri Lankan coastal areas causing extensive damage to areas in the western, southern, and eastern coasts. An assessment of the actual damage to the victims and property is not yet been made, as the danger is still not over, with fears of further tidal waves forming. Upto now a minimum of 10,500 human lives are reported lost, but it is feared that the actual number could be much more than that.

We, the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency [www.rotaryCregency.org] are formulating plans to channel relief to the areas where they are most needed in Sri Lanka. At a time of this national disaster the nation and its people must stand together. Stand together to help the million victims who have been displaced from their homes and loved ones. Not only have these people lost their family/loved ones they have lost everything except for the clothes on their back.