Lanka sends 20 tonnes of relief items to Myanmar

Rafik Jalaldeen

The Government has decided to dispatch 20 tones of relief assistance to Myanmar and urged the public to come to the aid of the people affected by the current tragedy in that country.

Addressing a press conference, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said Myanmar was hit by cyclone Nargis on May 2 which caused devastation in five provinces comprising 600 villages killing over 100,000 with around 49,000 missing.

"A great devastation had stuck one of our close friends and a neighbouring country in the Asian region. There has been a large number of deaths and people missing. When the LTTE attacked the Dalada Maligawa, the Myanmar Government and its people contributed to reconstructing the temple and the Ruwanweliseya Chudamanikya was enhanced in quality with the help of the Myanmar Government," he added.

Minister Yapa said the Ven. Seewali Thera of Kalutara made arrangements to collect goods to be dispatched to the cyclone victims in Myanmar immediately the tragedy took place on May 2. "The Government will intervene to facilitate the dispatch of relief goods to Myanmar collected from donors.

The Ven. Seewali Thera said Sri Lanka and Myanmar has long-standing historical ties as both countries are bound by similar cultures and traditions, religion and in many other areas. "When Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar, we approached the Myanmar High Commissioner and asked what sort of aid they are seeking and he responded by requesting for material assistance," the Thera added.

"We sought help from many companies and factories and collected a large amount of relief goods from many sponsors as well as from many schools in Colombo. After fruitful discussions between Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda and the Norwegian Ambassador, the Norwegian Government donated $100,000 and the air tickets," the Thera pointed out.

Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda asserted that Sri Lankans can do more to assist the people affected by the cyclone in Myanmar. "Our target is to collect 20 tons of relief items and to send 16 tons initially.

The people of Myanmar were living simple lives prior to the devastation which had dislodged communities and taken a heavy toll on the country. People in Myanamar extend their hand of generosity when we were in crisis. In such a situation it is our duty to reciprocate the gesture, Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva said.

"Collection of goods and other support from the public can be done during the Vesak period. We can announce to the public at each temple all around the country to come forward and extend their support and also bring donors to their respective temples," Ven. Madhuluwawe Sobitha Thera said.

Norwegian High Commissioner Tore Hattrem noted that the Royal Norwegian Government had contributed $100,000 and transporting goods to the people in Myanmar. "We are happy to co-operate and contribute in the relief efforts made by the people in Sri Lanka to the people in Myanmar. It will be a great assistance to the people of Myanmar," he added.