President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Foreign Minister Anura Bandaranaike, who are presently in China on a state visit, have conveyed messages of sympathy to the government and the people of the USA, following the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina, in states of Mississippi and Louisiana.

On behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Government is making a token contribution of US$ 25,000 through the American Red Cross, towards providing relief to those affected.

Expressing her sadness at the extent of the death and destruction, President Kumaratunga said “having experienced the fury of nature ourselves during the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 26, 2004, the people of Sri Lanka and I fully comprehend the grief and the sense of loss experienced by the victims of the hurricane.”

Recalling the spontaneous US response in the wake of the tsunami that helped to mitigate the effects in the immediate aftermath of the disaster and in the recovery process, the President further extended profound sympathies and condolences on behalf of Sri Lanka to the families, who have lost their loved ones and expressed solidarity with the victims.

Foreign Minister Anura Bandaranaike, in a message to the Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, has also conveyed his sympathies and condolences to the families of those affected and expressed solidarity with the USA at this time of crisis.

The Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe in a message to President Bush has also conveyed his sadness at the extent of death and destruction caused by hurricane "Katrina".

The Embassy wishes to inform concerned Sri Lankans, who may have family or friends in the affected areas in Mississippi and Louisiana, to contact the Embassy for assistance in obtaining information about the safety of their loved ones. Such requests can be made at 202 483 4025 or emailed to slembassy@slembassyusa.org.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington DC
USA

01 Septmeber 2005