Dutch boats for rescue operations

The Royal Dutch Life Boat Institution (KNRM) of the Netherlands donated two fast rescue boats to the Sea Rescue Institute of Sri Lanka (Sri-SL) at a ceremony at the Ceylon International Nautical Engineering College (CINEC).

The High Commissioner for the Netherlands, Reynout Vandijk on behalf of KNRM handed over the boats to the Chairman, Board of Governors Sri-SL, Capt. Nihal Kappetipola.

The Sri-SL, a volunteer organisation committed to waterborne search and rescue operations in the country will celebrate its second anniversary in March. Capt. Kappetipola said the government of the Netherlands and its people have always been supportive and concerned about the welfare of the people of Sri Lanka.

The donation of the boats to the organisation will widen its coverage and increase the number of volunteers. The assistance of the government of the Netherlands towards the sea rescue operations in Sri Lanka will boost the morale of the volunteers who have committed themselves to a noble task, Capt. Kappetipola said.

High Commissioner Vandjik said the task of saving those who are in peril at sea or floods is not smooth sailing for the volunteers.

The commitment of sea rescue volunteers should be acknowledged and supported. The Sri-SL was involved in two major flood situations, providing rescue operations, medicines, food and transferring casualties. The organisation offered its services at the International Yacht Race in Negombo and the South Asian Rowing Games in Bolgoda.

The KNRM donated two inflatable rescue boats fitted with safety gears in March 2005. It was presented by the former High Commissioner to the Netherlands.

(LF)