Sangha to spearhead IDP relief

Chaminda Perera

The Maha Sangha will soon launch the largest ever humanitarian assistance program for the welfare of civilians living in IDP camps and villages in the Vavuniya district. This program titled Dakunen Uthurata Sarana is conducted by the Samasthalanka Shashanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya in coordination with the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Buddhist Affairs.

Over 10,000 Buddhist temples island-wide will start collecting new garments for adults and children, foot wear, stationary, sanitary ware and essential food items be distributed among the civilians living in the welfare camps and villages after the Vesak Full Moon Day.

The Chief Incumbents of the Buddhist temples are now in the process of educating the laity in the respective area on the importance of this program and seek their donation to make it a success.

The Maha Sangha has been directed by the Pradeshiya Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya on how these donations could be collected and channelled to the Shashanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya through the district collecting centres.

Over 500 members of the Maha Sangha will visit the welfare camps in the Vavuniya district to distribute these donation and invoke the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem on them. The public are also requested to channel funds meant for the Vesak Danselas and Pandols to make this program a reality.

This is one of the first organisations of Buddhist Priests that came to the fore to assist the thousands of people who were displaced by the Boxing Day tragedy in 2004.