TSUNAMI DISASTER: You can help

4th January 2005, Sri Lanka

Dear Friends,

We are certain you must be aware of the tsunami disaster that hit the Sri Lankan shores on the 26th December 2005, leaving a harrowing trail of destruction, and a body count at over 30,000 and still mounting. According to media reports this figure could escalate to nearly a 10,000 more as the rebel controlled areas have not been accessible for successful documentation.

The devastation reportedly has left more than 1.5 million people internally displaced and these persons are currently being sheltered in temples, churches and schools. The outbreaks of disease that surely follow such a debacle is already rearing its ugly head with measles and diarrhea on the brink of reaching epidemic proportions.

A wave of compassion has engulfed the country in aid from every quarter and a massive relief effort is under way with food, medical supplies and personnel being rushed to most areas, but as you will surely understand it will never be sufficient to pull through this catastrophe.

The South Asia Partnership Sri Lanka (SAPSRI) is a non-profit development organization working with marginalized communities towards their empowerment and, like the rest of the world, SAPSRI has been deeply disturbed by the havoc caused by the recent events which have claimed thousands of lives and left millions homeless.

Reconstruction and rehabilitation is seen as the next endeavour in pulling our country people out of this mess. Therefore, SAPSRI plans to resettle 1000 families by building 1000 houses, for which a concept paper is already on the make. It is envisaged that these houses will be built in Trincomalee in the North, Batticaloa and Ampara in the East as well as Galle and Hambantota in the South, the provinces most affected by the disaster. In addition to the re-construction of their homes, funds must be allocated for income generation in order that they may earn a living and lead independent lives.

While a cost cannot be attached to such a colossal loss of family, dwelling and livelihood, the SAPSRI projection is to re-build the home, counsel the bereaved, replace source of revenue and gently nurture these persons back into the main stream of life. The cost of this all-round effort is estimated in the region of US$ 2000/- per family.

Hope this explanation will suffice for your establishment to comprehend our dire necessities. We earnestly appeal to your generosity.

If you require any further clarification or information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Thank you.

Yours most sincerely

Padma Ratnayake PhD
Executive Director
South Asia Partnership Sri Lanka