By Fazeena Saleem
DOHA: As thousands in Sri Lanka are displaced from their homes in the aftermath of floods and landslides, the Sri Lankan Embassy has called on residents to send donations to help with the relief effort.
A list of ways to donate for the victims of the floods has been issued by the mission. Residents can donate cash or items. Through a circular, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed its missions to encourage monitory assistance rather than collecting materials. Severe flooding in Sri Lanka has forced half a million people to flee homes across the country, officials said, as the death toll from days of torrential rain and landslides rose to more than 70, while at least 127 were reported missing.
Around 300,000 people have been moved to shelters and 200,000 are staying with friends or family. President Maithripala Sirisena urged people to provide shelter and donate cash or food. Residents intend to support with money are advised to hand over cash at a special counter at the embassy. The counter is open between 8am and 4pm.
“Donation in financial terms or cash can be given to the embassy and a receipt will be issued,” a senior official said.
Residents who wish to contribute dry food items and new clothes could hand them over to community representatives appointed by the embassy. All goods will be transported to Sri Lanka by ship.
Members to collect material donations include Abdul Rahman (55907867), Zaheer (33337935 ), Ranjith (50409246), Palitha (77441194 ) and Sriyantha (31008877)
According to the ministry, equipment such as generators, emergency lights, life jackets, mobile toilets, tapeline, tents, toilet cleaning tablets, water filters, water purification tablets, outboard motors (25.40hp), outboats, tents for health service provision, emergency lamps, boots, raincoats, umbrellas, torches and mobile water purification plants are required for post- flood relief work.
The worst-hit areas were Colombo’s northeastern suburbs along the Kelani river. Three people have been killed in flood-related incidents in Colombo but the national toll stands at 71 dead and many injured. The district of Kegalle, about 100km northeast of the capital, has been worst-hit, with the toll from two landslides rising to 34.
The Peninsula
