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| Tuesday, 18 January 2005 |
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by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva last evening officially accepted 120 tonnes of relief material from Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Nirupama Rao, on board the "Samar" at the Colombo port. Samar, an Indian coastguard ship arrived at the Colombo port carrying the relief provisions which includes 80 tonnes of alum(used for water purifying), cooking utensils including kerosine stoves, hurricane lamps and clothing items for the people affected by tsunami. The consignment also includes children's books, painting books and children's school items. Expressing appreciation for the donation made by India, Minister de Silva said India was Sri Lanka's closest friend ."We know that India is always behind us.The support and assistance extended by India to rebuild the nation and to bring peace is tremendous." he added. The Minister said "this donation demonstrate the friendship and brotherhood between the two countries.India is a tower of strength to us." He also thanked the crew members of the ship for their devoted service and for arriving in Sri Lanka with the relief. Indian High Commissioner Nirupama Rao said from the very outset of tsunami tragedy, the Indian Government has made all efforts to assist Sri Lanka which is its close friend and neighbour ."India is ever prepared to help Sri Lanka." She said this donation has further demonstrated the solidarity and friendship of India towards Sri Lanka. While stressing that special focus should be made to help affected children, she said this consignment contained items useful for children."We want to help children particularly." Officials on board of the ship said these items were brought at the special request of the Sri Lankan authorities. Commanding Officer of the Samar Indian Coastguard DIG R.M. Sharma said this was the second trip made of the ship to Sri Lanka . "On the first trip, we brought immediate relief material and now we have brought items which could be utilised in the long-term." |
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