Assistance sought to help Sri Lankan Tsunami victims
Sri Lanka remains shattered by the destruction wrought by the tsunami that hit the island on December 26, 2004. The death toll stands at a staggering 31,109 (the numbers keep rising daily) while 5,240 persons are reported missing and over a million displaced and another 16,665 injured. There are 798 refugee camps around the island. But we believe that these figures could be much more in view of the destruction caused.
Moreover, we experienced yet another catastrophe. After the heavy destruction caused by the tsunami the eastern districts of Ampara and Batticaloa were further battered with some of the heaviest rains in the recent years and these areas were hit by devastating floods. Reports also reveal that at least 15 tsunami refugee camps were flooded after heavy rains causing severe damage to coastal roads and key bridges which prevented relief workers from bringing aid to refugees as some of the roads were under three feet of water. Many journalists from all pats of the island too have been affected and displaced.
Many countries have pledged their support at this time of need. We, the Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions (FMETU), of Sri Lanka wish to request the IFJ together with its co-members to extend their cooperation in whatever way possible to assist those who have been affected by this disaster.
The urgent needs are mats, sheets, antibiotics, mineral water bottles; oral dehydration packs, under-garments (especially for ladies) and disposable sanitary wear together with medications.
We also wish to provide these facilities to areas controlled by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) too.
Since the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) and the Health Services Trade Union Alliance (HSTUA) has agreed to provide medical assistance, we of the FMETU would be able to help these victims by providing better healthcare and improve their self-esteem. Now all we need is you kind cooperation.
We thank you for your kind attention and cooperation.
