Dalai Lama offers condolence to Sri Lanka flood victims/ENG

2017. június 1./Phayul.com/TibetPress

eredeti cikk

By Tenzin Dharpo

DHARAMSHALA, MAY 31: With the death toll caused by incessant rain and flooding in Sri Lanka rising and rescue efforts underway, the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has sent his condolences and made donation to the relief efforts for the tragedy.

The Nobel Laureate sent a message to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, expressing sympathy for the loss of life and damage to property caused by severe flooding and mudslides in the island nation in recent days.

"I offer my condolences and prayers for all the families who have lost loved ones or have been affected by this devastating natural disaster. As a token of my sympathy and concern, I have asked the Dalai Lama Trust to make a donation to the relief and rescue work,” the message stated.

The death toll in Sri Lanka’s floods has risen to 202 with many people still deemed missing in the country’s worst torrential rains since 2003. The rainfall has declined and water levels receded in the last 24 hours and rescue and relief operations are now going on full swing.

Its closest neighbor in the sub-continent India has been the first responders sending three naval ships including INS Shardul and INS Kirch accompanied with medical and provisional supplies as well as personnel such as divers and medical teams.

Pakistan, Australia and China have also extended help offering supplies and monetary donations to the tragedy struck island nation.

"We also have a lot of enquiries from other countries and organisations wanting to know our immediate needs. We are moved by the spontaneous response," Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake told reporters in Colombo.