The unexpected and continued downpour throughout Sri Lanka since December last year has caused devastating flooding in several parts of the country, particularly in Battacaloa District and Ampara District. Over one million Sri Lankans have been affected by the floods, with 367,000 people being displaced. Widespread damages to properties and farmlands have been reported in the flood-hit areas.
As a gesture of goodwill and a token of friendship, Thailand has decided to contribute USD 100,000 to Sri Lanka as an initial assistance toward the country’s flood relief and rehabilitation efforts. The cheque was handed over by H.E. Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, to H.E. Mr. Neomal Perera, Deputy Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka, on 21 January 2011 at the sideline of the 13th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw. The Royal Thai Government stands ready to provide further assistance to Sri Lanka in its long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction process.
In this connection, Foreign Minister Kasit also presented the Deputy Ministera letters of condolences from the Thai Prime Minister to the Sri Lanka Prime Minister and from the Foreign Minister himself to the Sri Lanka Foreign Minister respectively as following;
1. A letter of condolences from the Thai Prime Minister to the Sri Lanka Prime Minister
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Excellency,
It is with the deepest sorrow that I learnt of the tragic loss from the recent flooding in the Central and the Eastern parts of Sri Lanka, especially in the Batticaloa District and the Ampara District. I am deeply grieved by the loss of lives and damages to more than one million people.
I would like to extend my profound condolences and sympathy to Your Excellency and, through you, to the people of Sri Lanka for this unfortunate tragedy.
The Royal Thai Government stands ready to provide any assistance to Sri Lanka through close coordination between our authorities concerned.
Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.
(Abhisit Vejjajiva)
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand
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2. A letter of condolences from the Foreign Minister Kasit to the Sri Lanka Foreign Minister
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Excellency,
It is with profound sorrow to have further learnt that the heavy flooding and the mudslide caused severe devastating effect over one-third of the total area of Sri Lanka, particularly in the Batticaloa District and the Ampara District.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Thailand, I wish to extend my sincere condolences and sympathy once again to Your Excellency and, through you, to the bereaved families of those who were affected by this natural disaster.
Considering our close and cordial relations, the Royal Thai Government would like to offer USD 100,000 as an initial contribution to Sri Lanka’s rehabilitation efforts.
Thailand is committed to providing any further assistance through close coordination between our authorities concerned.
Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.
(Kasit Piromya)
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th