Foreign missions come forward :

Many countries reach out in many ways

By Manjula Fernando

Many countries have offered to support Sri Lanka after the torrential rains triggered by the cyclone Roanu in the Bey of Bengal caused deadly landslides and floods in several parts of the country since last Sunday.

Relief goods were expected from India and Japan on Friday night and Saturday when this edition went to press. Pakistan has also promised to send in relief goods while Australia issued a statement expressing willingness to assist in clean up and rebuilding operations.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said on Friday,”The Australian government stands ready to provide any assistance that our Sri Lankan friends may require in responding to this disaster.”

Australia is providing urgently needed assistance to Sri Lanka in response to recent flooding and landslides. The Australian Government will contribute $500,000 to UNICEF for humanitarian assistance, including the provision of clean water and sanitation for children in shelters. The disaster has affected 22 of the country’s 25 districts.

The Sri Lankan Government has opened 663 safety centres to house an estimated 360,000 who have been displaced. We commend the Sri Lankan authorities for their effective response to this natural disaster under difficult circumstances.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, together with Disaster Management Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Health and Indigenous Medicine Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne briefed the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations based in Colombo, on the disaster, on Thursday.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland also issued a lenghthy statement calling upon the ‘Commonwealth family’ to provide support to Sri Lanka through coordinated assistance in the aftermath of this tragedy.

Expressing her ‘profound concern’ and offering her condolences on behalf of the Commonwealth she said, “Our thoughts are with all those in Sri Lanka who have been affected by the devastating landslides caused by heavy rainfall. “

“As we extend our deepest sympathies to the Sri Lankan people and its government, we recognize that the effects of this disaster will continue to have an impact for many months and years to come.”

Relief assistance

The Foreign Ministry has set up a Task Force to coordinate emergency relief assistance from Diplomatic Missions in Colombo and Sri Lankan Missions overseas, with the relevant Ministries and Agencies in Sri Lanka. The contact details are as follows:-

Tel: +94 11 2323015 (Cypher) 24 Hours

Fax: +9411 2446091, 2333450 (Cypher)

Email: [email protected]

Coordinator: Varuni

Muthukumarana, Director

Dep. Foreign Minister’s Bureau

Mobile: 0718147939

Any Sri Lankan abroad and well-wishers who wish to contribute towards the flood relief efforts are requested to contact their nearest Sri Lankan Mission / Post for details on how they may assist, or contact the Task Force.