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Indian ship
'Samar' arrives with 120 tonnes of tsunami relief |
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Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva
last evening officially accepted 120 tonnes of relief
material from Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Nirupama
Rao, on board the "Samar" at the Colombo port.
Samar, an Indian coastguard ship arrived at the Colombo port
carrying the relief provisions which includes 80 tonnes of
alum (used for water purifying), cooking utensils including
kerosene stoves, hurricane lamps and clothing items for the
people affected by tsunami.
The consignment also includes children's books, painting
books and children's school items.
Expressing appreciation for the donation made by India,
Minister de Silva said India was Sri Lanka's closest
friend.”We know that India is always behind us.The support
and assistance extended by India to rebuild the nation and
to bring peace is tremendous." he added.
The Minister said "this donation demonstrate the friendship
and brotherhood between the two countries.India is a tower
of strength to us." He also thanked the crew members of the
ship for their devoted service and for arriving in Sri Lanka
with the relief.
Indian High Commissioner Nirupama Rao said from the very
outset of tsunami tragedy, the Indian Government has made
all efforts to assist Sri Lanka which is its close friend
and neighbour ."India is ever prepared to help Sri Lanka."
She said this donation has further demonstrated the
solidarity and friendship of India towards Sri Lanka. While
stressing that special focus should be made to help affected
children, she said this consignment contained items useful
for children."We want to help children particularly."
Officials on board of the ship said these items were brought
at the special request of the Sri Lankan authorities.
Commanding Officer of the Samar Indian Coastguard DIG R.M.
Sharma said this was the second trip made of the ship to Sri
Lanka .
"On the first trip, we brought immediate relief material and
now we have brought items which could be utilised in the
long-term." |
           
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