KUALA LUMPUR, July 9, 2003 (Tuesday)
-- MERCY Malaysia continues to provide medical and humanitarian aid
for Sri Lanka flood victims. The three months project is expected to commence
in August this year.
MERCY Malaysia had previously sent two
medical and humanitarian missions to the worst affected flood area in response
to the flood disaster between 22 May to 21 June. The missions conducted
a total of 11 mobile clinics and provided medical assistance to approximately
2000 flood victims. Our team had also referred some victims requiring further
treatment to local district hospitals in the area.
Mission members also distributed approximately RM75,000 worth of humanitarian aid. The items comprised food and milk powder, building materials, buying of livestocks to affected farmers and cash contributions for the repair of machineries and equipment damaged by flood.
According to Datuk Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, President of MERCY Malaysia . "Some of those affected by the flood have remained in their damaged homes. There has been a lot of community support but we understand there are a lot still to be done to assist those affected. Our focus has shifted from emergency needs to the existing and ongoing needs of the victims. "
"We have allocated RM100,000 for the re-construction of the building of Sadat Primary School in Godapitiya Village, Akuressa, Matara. This also includes supplying the school with tables, chairs, books and teaching materials" said Datuk Dr. Jemilah Mahmood.
Another RM100,000 has been allocated for further medical and humanitarian effort in a district of Matara.
The MERCY Malaysia missions have received strong support from the Sri Lanka High Commission in Malaysia and were warmly received while in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka High commissioner, Rosy Senanayake said "We are grateful to MERCY Malaysia for their kind gesture and continuing support to rebuild life in Sri Lanka."
"Sri Lanka faced this natural devastation at a time when the country is gearing itself to regain its past glory. We have set an example to the entire world by entering into a peaceful and meaningful dialogue with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who have chosen path of violence. Today the guns are silent, both parties are talking and finding ways and means to find an amicable solution through democratic means. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his government will do its utmost for a permanent peace in Sri Lanka, but natural disasters could never be averted. We need at least RM 1.5 billion to repair the damage caused by the floods which was the worst in fifty years. We are thankful to the government of Malaysia and organisations like MERCY Malaysia for their generosity. The High Commission together with Sri Lankan Associations here will join hands with MERCY Malaysia in its all efforts to rebuild the lives."