Latest News

We have just completed our second aid drop to Pottuvil in the Ampara District. Having consulted the Medical Officer of Health for Pottuvil, Dr Sameen, we have delivered 800 mosquito nets and also baby mosquito nets. Malaria is endemic in this region, and Dr Sameen identified the nets as by far the most important item missing in the region. It was reassuring to see clear evidence of the nets given by Mark last week being fairly and comprehensively distributed amongst the camps. The damage in this areas is enourmous, with the majority of families now lving in makeshift tents where their houses once stood (in one of the attched photos you can see the tsunami water level poited out).

Following the drop in Pottuvil, we crossed the lagoon which seperates Pottuvil from Arugam Bay and Kudakaliya with a delivery of 200 mosquito nets and 300 mats. We were met by IP Gunaratne from the STF (special task force) who are in control of the situation on this side of the lagoon. We crossed by navy boat as the bridge is still down, recked by Tsunami. The STF also provided a tractor for us to transport the goods in. Here we distributed the goods amongst camps p18 and p19, with the help of the STF who were doing an excellent job in the circumstances. Thanks also to Javana and Pia Fernando for both providing us with the contacts in Kudakaliya and for allowing us to stay in their bungalow there.

Preparations are now well under way for another aid drop to Trincomalee District.

Back...