Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Sri Lanka.
In December 2009, a cyclone triggered heavy rainstorms, lightning and gale force winds with resulting flash floods that took the lives of three people and affected over 83,000 families, especially those in the Eastern Province districts of Ampara and Batticaloa.

Many residents fled to camps that had set up by the government. With her prayers and love, Supreme Master Ching Hai requested that our Association members please go assist those most in need, adding that necessary funds were available.

Covering their own travel and related expenses of approximately US$3,000, our Association members from Formosa (Taiwan) arrived in Sri Lanka on December 28 and met up with local members.

They contacted the National Disaster Management Center (DMC). Having heard of our Association’s previous relief work, the Center’s Director-general Gamini Hettiarchchi personally referred the team to local DMC officials of the most affected regions.

(All in English)
Major General Gamini Hettiarchchi, Director General of the Disaster Management Center, Ministry of Disaster Management & Human Rights, Sri Lanka (M): We are indeed very happy and grateful for the assistance given to the people.

VOICE: The relief team then went to Ampara District, where they prepared packages including rice, coconut oil, salt, sugar, dhal, curry powder, instant noodles, soap, toothpaste, etc.
With transportation help offered by the local DMC, they were able to distribute supplies to 881 families. The recipients expressed sincere appreciation for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s donation, even donning their best clothes to show their respect and thanks.

V. Linganathan, village head in Kawavetty, Manmuani West Division, Sri Lanka (M): After this heavy raining, people are very suffering. We were not expecting Supreme Master Ching Hai to help the people.
I am very thankful to Master Ching Hai.

 A. S. M. Ziyath, Ampara District Coordinator of the Disaster Management Center, Sri Lanka (M)
I’m very glad to thank Master Ching Hai again and again.

K. Wimalarajah, Batticaloa District Coordinator of the Disaster Management Center (M): Your distribution of the relief, those are very helpful for the people.
And we also thank once again the Master Ching Hai; we very, very thank you very much for your kindness and the organization. Thank you.

VOICE: We send our appreciation to Director-general Hettiarchchi and all National Disaster Management Center personnel for their kind assistance.

Our gratitude also goes to Supreme Master Ching Hai for her ever-caring support of those in need, and to our Association’s relief team for their dedicated help.

May the Sri Lankan people be blessed with a swift recovery to their regular lives, with extreme conditions as these subsiding through humanity’s gentler, uplifting lifestyles.