EMBASSY OF SRI LANKA AND AMERICAN RED CROSS
FLOOD RELIEF FOR SRI LANKA

The recent unprecedented floods in Sri Lanka have resulted in the loss of many lives and major damage to property and infrastructure. It is estimated that around 250 lives have been lost and around 150,000 homes completely destroyed, affecting around 500,000 families. Agriculture, livestock and infrastructure have been destroyed in several places and many persons have lost their means of livelihood.

The Sri Lankan authorities have launched a major relief operation with the assistance of the international community and NGOs, both national and international. The main focus of the relief programme is on rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, housing and reclamation of affected agricultural lands. A critical need has therefore arisen for material such as cement, roofing, sheets, prefabricated housing, medical equipment etc.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka is appealing to Sri Lankan expatriates in the U.S., including the American public, institutions and organizations to support the relief effort activities by making a cash contribution to the American Red Cross.

The appeal for assistance for flood relief is made by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington D.C., and contributions will be collected by the American Red Cross. In expressing his appreciation to the American Red Cross, Ambassador Devinda R. Subasinghe said that he is greatly encouraged by the many Sri Lankans and the people who have already pledged support for the flood victims. Mr. Tim McCully, Regional Director, for Asia & Pacific, American Red Cross said that he is grateful to the Sri Lanka Embassy for joining hands with the organization in this effort.

Financial contributions are the best way to help since this enables the purchase of relief supplies for disaster victims. In addition, in-country purchase of materials helps stimulate the economy weakened by this tragic event.

For those wishing to make a contribution, please make your check payable to American Red Cross International Response Fund. Please indicate in the memo line of the check and in any accompanying documentation that the donation is intended for Sri Lanka flood victims. Donations can be mailed to American Red Cross International Response Fund P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Alternatively, donations are welcome by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW. Please specify the donation is intended for Sri Lankan flood victims.

For more information, please contact Ms. Dhammika Semasinghe of the Embassy of Sri Lanka at 202-483-4026 or by E-mail at Dhammika.Semasinghe@slembassyusa.org or Ms. Amber Campbell of the American Red Cross at (202) 639-3526 or E-mail at CampbellAm@usa.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency. Contributions to the American Red Cross, a tax-exempt organization
under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are deductible for computing income and estate taxes.