USAID funds SLRCS tsunami relief project

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 11 January 2005, 12:46 GMT]
The US Agency for International AID & Development (USAID) has granted US$ 350,000 to Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) for a Relief and Assistance Project for those affected by the recent Tsunami disaster. This project will focus on four components -Cleaning the environment and removal of debris, distribution of Non Food Relief Items (NFRI), Increase Health Awareness regarding water and vector borne diseases and re-establishment of livelihood, states Mr Harasha Gunawardene, Director Communications of the SLRC.

Excerpts from the SLRCS press release follow:

"Accordingly, heads of 700 families live in displaced centers in Tsunami affected districts of Amparai and Galle will be identified and deployed for debris clearance on a daily paid basis.

"500 NFRI family kits will be distributed to identified beneficiaries in the Galle district. The family kits will include plastic mats, kitchen utensils, saris, sarongs, sheets, mosquito nets, lanterns and soaps.

"The Health Awareness programme in Amparai and Galle, which will focus on increasing awareness regarding water and vector borne diseases. This will include the distribution of posters and leaflets with health awareness messages on personal hygiene and safe water in local language, to all families assisted under this operation and train Red Cross volunteers in dissemination of these messages.

"The re-establishment of livelihood programme will include enhancing opportunities for selected beneficiaries who lost their means of living due to the Tsunami in Mullaitivu and Galle. This will include equipment and boats for fishermen, tool sets for carpenters, masons, electricians and refresher training on technology.

"Last year in July, the USAID granted the Sri Lanka Red Cross USD 100,000 for drought relief activities in three districts. Thereafter in December a grant of USD 50,000 was also made for flood relief work in five districts

"The mission of the Sri Lanka Red Cross is to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable in our society. It has a network of 26 branches in every district of the Island and its biggest strength is its volunteer base," SLRCS press release concluded.