British tsunami benefactor thanks contributors

THE Carlton Club in the United Kingdom who have been actively engaged in helping Sri Lanka's tsunami victims have inserted an advert in one of Britain's prestigious Magazines thanking all Britons who have been contributing to their effort.

In their ad under a bold headline 'Tsunami Appeal' - To say thank you and to show you how your money was spent" the Carlton Club has published a typical letter of thanks it has received from a group of fishermen in Kokilai who lost their boats and fishing gear and with it their livelihood in the Boxing Day catastrophe.

This followed a gift of nine motorboats and nine outboard motors by the Club to the destitute fishermen.

The English translation of the letter states:

'Dear Carlton Club

Thank you for giving me a boat.

Due to the Tsunami that struck on 26 December 2004 close to Indonesia the place that we live into the East of Sri Lanka was destroyed. Our boats as well as our net etc. were washed out to sea so we were unable to earn a living and look after my family.

After you had heard about the request I was issued with a boat by your good selves. And due to this reason I am able to earn my livelihood again and look after my family and I would like to thank you for the same.

Kokilai'