The tragic events that stuck Japan on Friday 11th March have caused all those at Sarvodaya to feel a great deal of empathy towards those trying to cope with the disaster and to assist in relief efforts in Japan. Tsunami damage is something everyone in Sri Lanka has experienced and we all know the pain and suffering such a natural disaster can cause.
Sarvodaya sends out its deepest sympathies to all those who have lost loved ones in the disaster. We have sent out personal messages to all friends of Sarvodaya and our affiliated organisations. Currently we are coordinating with Sarvodaya-Japan (an independently registered NGO), working on relief plans and discussing the possibility of sending emergency workers to the affected areas. We have been liaising with our partners such as the Asian Disaster Risk Reduction Network (ADRRN) in the hope of organising a joint action plan.
As a gesture of goodwill towards the Japanese people, Sarvodaya offered 1,000kg of tea leaves to the Japanese Ambassador. This gift, which the Ambassador greatly appreciated, has been postponed until a time when it will be possible to get it to Japan. Financially we have offered ¥100,000 (Japanese Yen) in financial support to Sarvodaya Japan and are planning fundraising campaigns in associated Sarvodaya offices in the United States and Europe.
On Tuesday over 100 members of our full-time staff joined together in a 30 minute silent meditation session with our Founder and President, Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne. We wished well all those who have been affected by the disaster and sent our spiritual energy to those in Japan.
The Japanese people remain in our hearts and minds in this time of crisis.
Sarvodaya Germany also wants to send our spirituel energy to all people in need in Japan.
Great to see Sarvodaya moving acting fast and with compassion on this tragic issue. Your actions proove that the human spirit is alive and strong in Sarvodaya.