Archives

PM briefs donor countries, agencies : Donors assure swift aid for flood relief

by Manjula Fernando and Nadira Gunatilake

The international community and major donor agencies pledged their support to the government yesterday to rehabilitate flood-hit cities in the Southern, Sabaragamuwa and Western provinces.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met representatives of foreign missions and donor agencies based in Colombo yesterday to brief them on the magnitude of the devastation caused by the floods, the worst to hit the country for over 50 years. More than 255 people were confirmed dead in the floods which rendered 170,000 families homeless.

The members of the Sub-Committee on Disaster Management headed by Minister Karu Jayasuriya were also present at this Temple Trees meeting which lasted for over one hour.

Several countries including India, Japan, US, Britain and Canada have already provided initial flood assistance to the Government. The representatives, however, conveyed that they require a much clearer assessment on the exact quantum of assistance wanted to rebuild the infrastructure, civilian life and to provide food and other relief to accelerate the aid process.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Bradman Weerakoon said the government decided to submit an initial needs assessment report to all donor agencies and foreign missions today followed by a detailed assessment early next week.

The meeting was attended by Ministers Karu Jayasuriya, Milinda Moragoda, Lal Gamage and John Amaratunga. Over 50 representatives from donor agencies including IMF, WFP, UNDP, Colombo Plan, UNHCR, UNICEF and almost all Colombo based foreign missions including Canada, China, Russia, India, UK, Japan, US, Germany and France participated.

India was the first to respond to Lanka's SOS. It sent two planeloads of flood relief equipment and a ship carrying Navy divers and relief equipment.

Indian Ambassador Nirupam Sen met Prime Minister Wickremesinghe separately and assured him that India would always help Sri Lanka in any contingency.

The US, UK and Australian Envoys also met the Premier separately and pledged financial assistance.

Social welfare Ministry Secretary Ms.Vijayalakshmi Jegarasasingam said 15,197 houses have been completely damaged by the floods while 26,284 houses ave been partly damaged. The Government has allocated more than Rs.17 million for flood relief.

Government Information Department said that the officials engaged in disaster relief activities and rescue operation have appealed to general public to send candles, Kerosene oil, boxes of matches, drinking water and essential medicines to be distributed among the affected people in the districts of Ratnapura, Galle, Matara, Hambantota and Kalutara.

The Disaster Management Unit set up at the prime Minister's office is coordinating all relief activities and those who wish to make contributions are requested to get in touch with this unit for further information and instructions.

Those who wish to contribute can contact the respective District Secretaries. The numbers telephone numbers are as follows. Kalutara (034-22685, 034-22235), Matara (041-22233), Galle (09-22233), Ratnapura (047-22233), Hambantota (047-20174).

Disaster Management Centre at the Prime Minister's office 372444, 372450, fax-372451.

Hambantota District Secretary said that motors can be obtained to clean wells by contacting the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha and the District Secretary. The Red Cross will also provide motors.

He also request the people to use clean drinking water and use chlorine for wells with the assistance of PHIs. Avoid using raw vegetables and fruits, he said.

Meanwhile the Presidential Secretariat said that the President had toured flood affected districts and ordered officials to take necessary measures to assist flood victims.

The President will continue to closely monitor the relief efforts being undertaken on the ground in the districts and the President's Office will assist in the coordination of relief efforts undertaken by State agencies and the Provincial Councils, it said.

www.crescat.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager