Sri Lankan Community in Viet Nam extends support to relief efforts

Sri Lankan Community in Viet Nam extends support to relief efforts

Together with the staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ha Noi and the Sri Lankan community in Viet Nam raised VND 66.5 million (Rs. 540, 000 approx.) to support relief efforts by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam relating to the massive floods and landslides in central Viet Nam. Since the final week of October, these regions have been heavily affected by series of typhoons and tropical storms. Resultant flooding and landslides have killed 230 people, including 35 military personnel, so far. Over 1.5 million people (317, 000 families) have been displaced, with over 200, 000 houses seriously damaged. The approximate total economic cost is USD 735 million so far.

The donation of VND 66.5 million was made by Mr. Prasanna Gamage, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Viet Nam, to Mr. Pham Hung Tam, Deputy Director General Southeast Asia, South Asia and South Pacific and Mr. Tran Duc Hung, Vice President of the Trade Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, on 09 November 2020 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam in Ha Noi.

In donating the funds, Mr. Gamage conveyed the deepest condolences and sympathies of the Government and People of Sri Lanka to the bereaved family members of the military personnel and other citizens who have passed away as a result of the natural disaster, and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and adversely affected.  Ambassador Gamage also stated that, at this difficult time, the Government and people of Sri Lanka continue to stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Viet Nam. He added that Sri Lanka firmly believes that people of Viet Nam possess the resilience, courage and also the able guidance of the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to successfully manage and overcome the ongoing crisis.

Having received the donation, Mr. Tam expressed the government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam’s gratitude for the kind gesture, and the Sri Lankan community in Viet Nam’s solidarity, at this time of need. He also avowed Viet Nam’s appreciation for the longstanding friendship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka and their shared readiness to assist each other in times of need.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Ha Noi

09 November 2020