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Expats in Britain gear up to send flood relief

by Victor Jayanetti, Our London Correspondent

Sri Lankan High Commissioner in London, Faisz Musthafa made an urgent appeal to the expatriate community in England requesting generous donations towards the flood relief fund set up by the government, following the devastation caused by the flood situation in some regions of Sri Lanka. It is understood that the appeal which was sent out by electronic and print media was the result of a request made by the Sri Lankan Government for assistance.

The appeal said, "As you are aware, some regions of Sri Lanka have been inundated with floods, due to torrential rains and the districts worst affected are Ratnapura, Matara, Galle, Hambantota and Kalutara. While heavy rains are abating, flood waters have not receded in many areas. Receding water from Ratnapura are now causing difficulties in Kalutara. The number of confirmed deaths is in the region of 250. The logistical problems especially due to inaccessibility by road, have hampered the provision of relief services, including food and medical attention in these areas, which are submerged and isolated. The Police and the three services are assisting in the efforts to reach the victims."

"The Sri Lanka High Commission in London appeals to the Sri Lankan expatriate community, to kindly assist in providing relief to the food and landslide victims by donating essential food items and materials indicated in the Annex, or through financial contributions. With regard to the conveyance of food items and materials, the Sri Lanka High Commission would explore the possibility of facilitating same through Sri Lankan Airlines and the Ceylon Shipping Corporation, once the details have been furnished by the donor. All financial contributions could be sent in the name of the 'Sri Lanka High Commission', which would be promptly acknowledged with an official receipt and transferred to the relevant authority in Colombo."

Following the massive coverage of the devastation in Sri Lanka on many websites and the print media, expatriates have sprung into action to support the government in this hour of need. Many Buddhist temples in London have already started collecting items to be sent to Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, according to the sources, many expatriates have already made inquiries from the High Commission, about how and what do send as immediate relief assistance, even before the appeal was sent out.

Y. G. Amaradasa, Minister Administration at the High Commission has been appointed to co-ordinate the fund raising and collecting of items.

Sarath Gauthamadasa, Counsellor, repeated the appeal at the recent Vesak celebrations held at High Commission in London.

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