DINAMINA NEWS PAPER ARTICLE DATED 7TH OCT 2005

APPRASING RED CROSS EFFORT IN RE-ESTABLISHING
HAMBANTOTA PEOPLE
A progress discussion meeting was held at SLRC Hambantota district office to evaluate Tsunami relief programs. Picture- Ms. Greet de Vries-NLRC country coordinator, In Right Mr. Arjan Blanken, Fred Stangelaar and Gorden Evans were also present at this meeting.

Netherlands, Australian, American and Canadian Red Cross Societies appreciate the effort and projects done by SLRC to upgrade living standards of Tsunami affected people who are in Tissamaharama, Hambantota, Ambalantota and Tengalle divisional secretariats.

During Tsunami relief service evaluation which was held at SLRC Hambantota divisional office, the PNS's assure to provide enough monitory funds for public service projects to help Tsunami victims.

The basic needs such as dry foods, cloths, tents, and medical facilities were already adequately given to them. In addition Dhaham pasal (Sunday Buddhist teaching classes), child physiological services, child personality development centers and other facilities such as school uniforms and equipments, books, slippers were also provided.

Conduct livelihood programs to re-establish themselves by providing Boats, Engines, nets and other equipments to fishermen and tradesmen. For small scale businessmen tents, cloths and other requirements were provided. Also five hundred new houses will be built for people who lost there houses due to Tsunami and partially damaged houses also will be repaired.

Almost Rs: 10 million spent so far for the district to help Tsunami effected people by conducting livelihood programs, grants etc.

Mr. K.H.Premathilaka, SLRC Hambantota branch secretary, addressing the meeting stated that SLRC will dedicate to help Tsunami victims for the next few years.

Chairperson Mr. Ananda Premarathna Amaratunga-SLRC Hambantota district branch chairman (Retired Hambantota district secretary), Vice chairman Mrs. Kumuduni Hettiarachchi-counselor in psychology, Fred Stangelaar-NLRC delegate in organizational development and Aryan Blanken were addressing this meeting.


Mr. P.W.Kodithuwakku
Translated by: Rukman Wickramarachchi