Mark Vesak on low key owing to flood situation: Govt.
This year’s Vesak celebrations will be decidedly low-key in view of the floods that have claimed scores of lives and left over 300,000 displaced. The Government has also appealed to the public to be mindful of the needs of those who have been affected by the inclement weather that prevailed throughout this week.
While the National Vesak Festival in Hambantota is taking place as scheduled, the festival will be limited in scope in view of the current situation.
Buddhasana Ministry Secretary Wasantha Ekanayake said the Government recognises that even after the flood waters subside, those who have been affected will not be able to get back on their feet immediately.
“We are talking about people who have lost their families, their homes. They
International assistance for victims of floods and landslides started to arrive in the country on Saturday, following an urgent Government appeal for foreign aid. India, Australia, Japan the United States and Nepal were among the first to answer the call for foreign assistance.
Two Indian naval vessels, INS Sutlej and INS Sunanyna arrived yesterday carrying inflatable boats, outboard motors, tarpaulins, milk powder, safety matches, candles and medical supplies.
An Indian Air Force C-117 aircraft carrying medical supplies, tarpaulins, tents, emergency lights consumable stores and mobile toilets also landed yesterday. In addition to the relief materials onboard, the aircraft was also carrying officials from India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), who will aid rescue efforts in the country, India’s Ministry of External Affairs noted.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held onboard INS Sunanya at the Colombo Port yesterday, India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Y.K. Sinha revealed the two vessels were carrying 25 tonnes of relief material, while the C-117 aircraft that landed at Katunayake was also ferrying 15 tonnes of supplies.
Mr. Sinha expressed India’s deepest sympathies and solidarity to the Government and people of Sri Lanka “in this hour of tragedy.”
Two aircraft ferrying emergency relief goods worth Rs 32 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) warehouse in Singapore, also arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport last morning. The items have a long, hard road ahead of them,” he pointed out.
Mr. Ekanayake said given this situation, an appeal is made to the people to assist those from their areas who have been affected, in any way they can. Everything from providing cooked meals, dry rations and other necessary items is welcome as it would make this Vesak all the more meaningful. The theme of this year’s Vesak should be focused on helping neighbours in their hour of need, it was handed over included blankets, sleeping pads, mobile water purifiers, water tanks, mobile generator units and water purification tablets. The ceremonial handover took place in the presence of Japanese Ambassador Kenichi Suganuma, and Minister of Disaster Management Anura Priyadharshana Yapa.
Japan will also send two JICA experts on disaster management, who were due to arrive in the further emphasised.
The Ministry of Buddhasasana also called upon people to refrain from extravagantly spending on Vesak celebrations and instead channel such funds for relief efforts.
Mr. Ekanayake said the Ministry was not asking people to stop dansals this Vesak, but said it hoped organisers would take steps to either supply the meals to those who have been affected by floods or to donate funds or items collected for the country last night. They will hold discussions with the emergency team of the Ministry of Disaster Management on how to expedite the rescue efforts and to reduce further landslide risks, the Japanese Embassy in Colombo said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Australian government is also contributing $500,000 to UNICEF for humanitarian assistance to the victims. This includes the provision of clean said dansals to relief efforts that were now ongoing.
The Government greatly appreciated steps taken by the people to donate to relief efforts in any way they could, he further said.
The Government has however, requested people to stop trying to visit the areas which have been most affected by the flooding, even to render assistance, as this was hampering relief efforts that were currently ongoing. water and sanitation for children in shelters, the Australian government stated.
The Australian government also commended Sri Lankan authorities for their effective response to this natural disaster under difficult circumstances.
The US government provided Rs 7.2 million (US$ 50,000) for immediate disaster assistance for nonfood items such as blankets, mattresses, clothing and hygiene kits.