Minister lauds Caritas Services

Rohan Mathes in Galle

GALLE: Trade Commerce and Highways Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle lauds the services rendered by the Caritas Sri Lanka.

The Minister was speaking at the 2nd year commemoration of Caritas Sri Lanka, in the Service of Humanity at Piyadigama, Galle yesterday.

"They had come to the rescue of Sri Lanka at a time when the country was struck by the tsunami which shattered the lives, livelihoods and property of the victims, irrespective of their race, religion or region" he said.

He said he reminisced with great grief the tragic scenes and incidents which he saw when he visited the tsunami-stricken regions with the then Prime Minister, President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the aftermath of the catastrophe almost two years ago.

"I hope and pray that such a devastation will never ever occur in the future to anyone anywhere," he said.

The Government and the Disaster Management mechanism was geared to cope with such an unprecedented crisis at that time. Temples, Churches and Kovils became sanctuaries to those seeking refuge to escape the destruction caused by the tidal wave.

Many local and international organisations offered humanitarian assistance at that great hour of need, and Caritas Sri Lanka was unique in that sphere."

Fernandopulle said some of those displaced were still living in tents due to delays caused by certain decisions and other uncontrollable factors in the construction of houses for the tsunami affected families.

However he said that the houses constructed by the Caritas SED Galle, were of a very high standard and quality in contrast to other housing complexes such as the Raddoluwa Housing Scheme in his electorate.

"Even the Galle Mayor had commented that this was the best housing scheme in Galle," he said.

The Chief Guest and Apostolic Nuncio the Most Rev. Dr. Mario Zenari said that when Pope John Paul II, learnt of the tsunami devastation, he had immediately directed the Catholic Church to render any assistance at their disposal to all the tsunami affected nations, Sri Lanka in particular.

He had allocated a sum around US Dollars 500 million for same, in the short-term, for food, clothing and shelter, and the long-term needs such as permanent housing constructed by Caritas.

He had later sent his representatives to the affected countries to monitor the progress made in the humanitarian assistance provided therein.