Standard Chartered Bank contributes $ 5 m for Asia tsunami relief

 
Standard Chartered PLC said that it is committing at least US$5 million to relief and reconstruction activities in countries affected by Asia's tsunami.
The Bank will channel its contributions through local relief funds in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and Malaysia.

"The scale and international impact of this disaster is unprecedented in recent times and is drawing a tremendous response from the public and governments around the world," said Standard Chartered's Group Chief Executive, Mervyn Davies.
"Our aim is to help the funding of sustainable initiatives that run beyond short-term relief work and help communities re-establish themselves in some of the worst-hit areas."

Davies said the US$5 million was an initial contribution to the disaster. Some funds had already been released to help with relief efforts. He said that the Bank had established a task force to co-ordinate the Bank's response to longer-term reconstruction.

TCEO Sri Lanka Vishnu Mohan said, "We in Sri Lanka are deeply moved by the support, concern and outpouring of assistance from the group and our staff throughout the Standard Chartered network. People have come together and responded rapidly to provide all assistance.

In Sri Lanka, we have set up a Relief Fund and our staff have contributed a minimum of one day's salary in addition to giving up their traditional year-end luncheon to donate those monies to the Bank's relief fund. They also donated dry rations, clothing, medicine and food which were sent out by early December 27 morning to those affected in many areas including Batticaloa, Hambanthota and Galle.

 
 
 
   Our colleagues in the UAE are collecting items to be sent to the children's rehabilitation centres being set up in Sri Lanka for children orphaned by the tsunami. In Thailand, approximately 30 staff are helping the British Embassy with calls and translations.
Collectively, Standard Chartered Bank has over three centuries of history in the communities of the countries impacted by this calamity and we are committed to working together to rebuild these communities.

The Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka Relief Fund details are as follows: Account Number: 02 3597814 01 (SWIFT Code: SCBLLKLX). In addition from January 12 those who wish to donate to this account can also visit the Bank's web site www.standardchartered.com.lk and make a contribution using their credit card. Contributions can be made locally and internationally and is not limited to credit card issued by Standard Chartered Bank.