Siemens, Bayer and Thyssen Krupp in joint tsunami relief efforts

A few German business companies have come together and formed a Trust by the name Ape Dayawa, which will undertake charity work in Sri Lanka. The trust has signed an MOU with the Lions Club for providing rehabilitation and reconstruction support in Tsunami-affected areas of Sri Lanka.

Ape Dayawa (Guarantee) Limited, a Trust incorporated as a "Voluntary Social Services Organisation", has been formed to undertake charitable work with an initial focus on assisting in rehabilitating people affected by the tsunami. Siemens, Thyssen Krupp and Bayer are the key donors for the relief initiative. The trust is partnering with the Lions Club to construct medical and social centers, and schools for families of the victims.

The Lions Club has been selected by Ape Dayawa as a partner for this social initiative due to its consistent involvement in a number of social service projects in Sri Lanka. These have, over the years, included donation of essential supplies and equipment to hospitals, blood donation camps, and drought relief.

Trincomalee has been specifically chosen as it has received relatively less aid post Tsunami. The difficult terrain, amongst other factors, has been a deterrent for several NGOs and donors to reach out. The reconstruction to be undertaken at the affected area includes construction of a Medical and Community Center, 108 houses and a school.

Managing Director, Siemens Ltd., Juergen Schubert said "It would have been easier to simply write out a cheque, but we chose the harder route. This involves undertaking and implementing a concrete project that will directly benefit the affected people".

This initiative is the second wave of support from the German business community. In the first move, immediately after the disaster, Siemens donated three ultrasound machines to the Red Cross.

These machines have been installed at the Ruhunu University Hospital in Galle, and a specialist from Siemens India has trained the staff.