In response to a request for assistance by the Sri Lankan Red Cross and Disaster Management Center due to the destruction caused by torrential rains in Sri Lanka, United States Ambassador Patricia Butenis issued a disaster declaration on May 21. 

The declaration provides nearly 6 million rupees (US$50,000) from the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society for emergency humanitarian assistance.  The assistance will help the Sri Lankan Red Cross Society andDisaster Management Centerprovide emergency food, safe drinking water, water purification tablets, water containers, medical supplies, clothing, plastic sheeting, tents, and other urgently needed items.

Ambassador Butenis announced the assistance during a meeting with officials from the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society including Mr. Jagath Abeysinghe, President; Mr. S.H. Nimal Kumar, Honorary National Secretary; and Mr. Neville Nanayakkara, Director General.  According to Ambassador Butenis, “During the past week, hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans have suffered tremendous hardship as result of flooding and landslides.  In response to the Government’s appeal for assistance, this support will help the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society and the Disaster Management Centeraddress the urgent needs of those affected by the torrential rains.”