Sri Lanka offers assistance to US hurricane victims

[September 8, 2005 - 5.00 GMT]

Colombo’s Envoy in the US Bernard Goonetilleke on Tuesday handed over a cheque for US $ 25,000 to the American Red Cross in Washington D.C. This was Sri Lanka’s contribution to assist those who were hit by hurricane Katrina.

Goonetilleke said this contribution was by the Sri Lankan Government on behalf of its people, to express empathy with the victims. He said it was also in appreciation of the overwhelming generosity of the American people, the corporate sector and the US Government, in the aftermath of the December 26 tsunami.

The Ambassador also informed the US Red Cross that Sri Lanka Medical Association of North America (SLMANA) members were ready to provide medical personnel to serve hurricane Katrina survivors. He said he had taken up this participating at the SLMANA Annual Sessions in Chicago on September 2-3 attended by doctors of Sri Lankan origin living in US. "Their services will be rendered on a voluntary basis and we are awaiting information concerning the logistical arrangements to facilitate their deployment," Goonetilleke said.

A memorial ceremony was also held at the Washington Buddhist Vihara in Washington DC on September 4 under the patronage of Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Thera, Chief incumbent of the Vihara to offer merit to those killed in the hurricane and bless to those affected by it.

This event was attended by the Ambassador and the Sri Lankan community living in the Greater Washington area. Ven. Dhammasiri urged Sri Lankans to donate to help those affected by the Hurricane.

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Last Updated Date: September 8, 2005 - 5.00 GMT