Sri Lanka tops the list in whole world in rehabilitation activities in the wake of tsunami tragedy of 2004 December. It even has surpassed rehabilitation work of the giant USA after Typhoon Cathrina, writes Victor Marambage, Talawa group correspondent, Daily News, Talawa 150107 at http://www.dailynews.lk/.
Forwarded by Budhi Mulyawan 150107.

This was made possible by the unparalleled assistance provided to the Government by the public specially the Non-Governmental Organisations, so said W.B. Ekanayaka Deputy Minister of Highways.

He was addressing the second anniversary commemoration of tsunami, held at Samasevaya National Secretariat, Talawa.

He said, Our Government is aware of several misappropriations of funds by some NGOs. But some NGOs like Samasevaya are doing a great service to the public for their freedom and independence.

We expect to enroll the services of NGOs like Samasevaya in the development work of the Government. NGOs are able to reach out to places and people beyond the grasp of the Government.

Some services they provide are also the same.

When compared to government activities which are a little slower due to red-tape. NGOs act very swiftly and instantly.

Samasevaya is one of the ten best tsunami rehabilitation programmes in the island according to a survey made by Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum (SLEJF) and was awarded the Green Award by it.

The Deputy Minister handed over the trophy to Samson Jayasinghe on this occasion. The criteria of the award was transparency, environmental friendliness and sustainability of the rehabilitation programmes after tsunami.

Representatives from all 15 local units of Samasevaya in 15 districts offered a floral tribute to a tsunami commemorative plaque at Samasevaya prior to the start of the programme.

Samasevaya Cultural Pool presented the tsunami song.

A large number of tsunami victims from the North, East and South were present on the occasion. A special group of Muslim children from Kinniya, where Samasevaya focused its attention in tsunami rehabilitation work attended.

Mahinda Chandrasekara, Co-ordinating Secretary to the NCP Governor, Anil Ratnayaka member North Central Provincial Council, Upali Gunawardhana, Chairman Talawa Pradeshiya Sabha, Ambassador of Peace Jayalath Bandara, SI Jayantha Dahanaka, OIC Talawa Police and Samson Jayasinghe addressed the gathering.

An All Night Pirith Desana was held later at Samasevaya.

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