Relief for Tsunami Victims – Six Months After the Tragedy

“Six months have passed since the great Tsunami tragedy struck our country on that fateful day, 26th December 2004. No sooner did the news spread around the globe than messages of encouragement, promise of prayers, inquiries for assistance, and financial support started pouring in. The purpose of this letter is to express our heartfelt thanks and to share a brief report on our relief activities”

So begins a letter from Brother Henry Dissanayake, FSC, Visitor of the District of Colombo, received at De La Salle Institute in Napa, California, in mid-July 2005. The District of Colombo includes all of Sri Lanka, which was one of the countries hard hit by the earthquake-caused tidal waves.

Brother Henry continues: “The materials we have received thus far as assistance to various relief efforts have been really inspiring. The Lasallian Family and our friends all around the world responded quickly, generously and compassionately to those in dire need. Individual Brothers, Communities, Districts, Schools, Teachers, Students, Parents and friends have contributed in an unprecedented show of solidarity. You are among thousands who thought of us and did something tangible to help provide relief to the survivors of Tsunami. On behalf of all the beneficiaries of our Lasallian Tsunami relief projects, and on behalf of numerous Brothers, Lasallian partners and students who took part in providing relief, I send you my heartfelt thanks for your generous contribution.”

Brother Henry specifically addresses the District of San Francisco, where students in the schools through various fundraisers contributed to the effort, and where the De La Salle Institute’s financial office served as an efficient conduit for the transfer of donations to the Generalate (the headquarters of the international institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in Rome).

Brother Mark Murphy, FSC, former Visitor of the District of San Francisco, who is now serving as Administrative Assistant to the District of Colombo, included with Brother Henry’s letter a report showing that Lasallian sources have provided nearly $170,000 with which Sri Lankans have been able to get emergency assistance, rebuild schools and homes, feed infants, maintain hostels for children, buy clothing and supplies for students, and meet educational expenses. Brother Mark writes, “I am personally most grateful for the fact that you chose to send your donation through our Provincial office in Napa, De La Salle Institute. The message comes strongly to our Brothers here in Sri Lanka as well as the people that our Lasallian Family is truly connected and responsive to one another’s needs. Be assured of the prayerful gratitude that is present here. You will be remembered in the hearts and prayers of these people for a long time to come.”

A full report on the nearly $400,000 worth of aid received thus far from around the world that has been channeled through SECOLI, the Christian Brothers’ international relief coordination agency in Rome, is available on the international web site at www.lasalle.org.