UNHCR Reports Over 200,000 Displaced in Sri Lanka, Most in Trincomalee; New Fighting Erupts in Trinco
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has revised its earlier report regarding the number of displaced persons in Sri Lanka and is now reporting that 204,602 people have been displaced since April of this year. Most of these people are from the Trincomalee District and are struggling to survive in camps in Kantale, not far from the Grace Care Centre. Many others are in Batticaloa.
New fighting is also being reported today in Trincomalee as the military launches a new offensive to force the LTTE out of the crucial eastern port area.
The displaced people in Trincomalee and Batticaloa need our help and we can make an immediate difference by providing food, water, clothing and temporary shelter. Supplies of food and water have fallen to alarmingly low levels in many locations.
To date, we have raised a total of $1,065, but much more is needed. If every VeAhavta donor makes a contribution of just $25, we'll be able to wire close to $75,000! We can double this amount if each donor gets just 1 other person to contribute.
Help us show our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters that we care about what happens to them. Please give what you can. All donations to VeAhavta are tax-deductible and 100% of each dollar donated "Where Needed Most" between now and Aug. 31 will go directly to refugee relief.
We will wire relief funds to Rev. Jeyanesan on September 1, 2006 -- just 3 days from now -- so please help. Please donate on-line RIGHT NOW to "Where Needed Most" in whatever amount you can. Alternatively, please wire your contributions directly to Rev. Jeyanesan at St. John's Centre by using the following account information:
St. John's Church
Uranee, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
Hatton National Bank, Ltd.
Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
Acct. #01-0196601-8
Cable Address: HATNABANK
Swift: Bic Code -- HBLILKLX
Thank you for your generous support!
