As boxes and boxes of individual, group and corporate donations reach at the Sarvodaya National Headquarters in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, volunteers ranging from young children to adults gather to unload, haul, haul, separate, organize, record and package all the dry rations, medical supplies, clothes, housing supplies and other emergency supplies needed for daily existence.
As these items are separated into their respective piles, family packs are made and loaded onto trucks that will head out to one of the many disaster-struck regions of Sri Lanka. For the last three days, trucks have departed with these emergency supplies to camps and hospitals in the following regions (districts): Unawatuna, Galle, Ambalangoda, Hambantota, Matara, Colombo, Karapitiya, Morotuwa, and Kalutara. Medical supplies and clothes have been sent to Kalmunai, Batticaloa, Ampara, Jaffna, Mulaitivu, Mannar and Kilinochchi, with plans to send additional supplies in the near future.
So far, items such as sleeping mats, plastic sheeting for small tents, rope, large tents, plates, and plastic cups are among the items distributed in these trucks, along with medicines and medical supplies such as gauze, bandages, adhesive plaster tape, dettol, panadol, and Jeevani (electrolyte solution) to name a few.
Closer scrutiny of these devastated areas, have revealed that each region has different needs and Sarvodaya is striving to meet these needs, as relief efforts continue into the new year.
We are a group of Sri Lankans in the Chicagoland area who have contacted Rick Brooks from your office in Wisconsin about sending a consignment of relief articles by Air to your office in Sri Lanka. We would like to know a list of priority items that are needed for immediate relief efforts. Thanks.
Dr. S. Asokan
My family and I pray for the victims. We will do our part to help. I will keep send money every month. God Bless You!
Your are in our thoughts and prayers.
We have followed the work of Sarvodaya for many years, having had the honor of knowing Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne and having been inspired by his hard work, clear thinking, dedication, good heart and pure spirit — all of which are reflected in the countless volunteers who make up the work force of Sarvodaya. Sri Lanka is blessed to have you all and we send our love and support to you on the task ahead, for which we know you are well-prepared. To those who read this, please know that your donations will go directly to help those in need in the most effective way possible. Love and peace to all who suffer.
interesting
One of my favorite music videos from the 1980s was for the song “Save A Prayer” by Duran Duran. The band travelled to Sri Lanka to film this video (and others) and also did a number of photo shoots while they were there. I was struck by the beauty of the landscapes and people I saw in these videos and always said that someday I would like to visit Sri Lanka myself.
Today my thoughts turn to a man I do not know. 20 years ago he was a young boy on the beach in a scene from that music video. He was not an actor but rather a local boy who probably never understood that years later people on the other side of the world would remember him….but we do. Today he may be homeless, or grieving…..or worse.
Please understand that many Duran Duran fans have felt a special connection to Sri Lanka for many years and our hearts are breaking for you now. We are all individually doing what we can to help, by donating to many different organizations supplying aid to the affected areas….but I fear that nothing anyone could do will be enough to heal the emotional scars that these horrific events will leave on the people of Sri Lanka.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
-Lisa
Long Island, New York, USA
We send all of the Sri Lankan’s our prayers and love. I sent all of my email addresses your site to donate directly to Sarvodaya Movement. Many have responded immediately. Know that we are watching, praying and holding all of you in our hearts. Namaste, Jennifer Allen and Dawn St. John
We were shakened by the story of this devastating tsunami tragic. All the Sri Lankans in Hawaii, USA are praying and sending relief items to our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka. We will od our best to help people over in Sri Lanka
Dear Ari and Vinya- It has always been a privilege to be in partnership with you, whether in our home in New York City or in Mert and Abby’s home in Ancrum New York. Now at this critical time we know that you and Sarvodaya are “on the job” caring for those in need and being the vehicle for our expressions of support and financial contribution.
Thank you.
Much love,
Michael and Elizabeth