German Ambassador: “True Friendship proves itself in times of need”

German Ambassador Jens Ploetner in discussion with a women's community group in the vicinity of Batticaloa Enlarge image German Ambassador Jens Ploetner in discussion with a women's community group in the vicinity of Batticaloa (© German Embassy Colombo)

Germany doubles its flood relief to Sri Lanka

In the face of renewed heavy floods in several Provinces, Germany has decided to double its flood relief to Sri Lanka which now adds up to Rs. 75 million (500,000 Euro.)

“The latest news from the flood-affected areas are dramatic! We feel for all those affected by the incidence of the second flood. Within weeks, many families have had to abandon their homes twice” German Ambassador Jens Ploetner explained. “In Germany, people are saddened to see so many Sri Lankans undergoing such severe hardships - the reason why the Federal Government has decided to double its help for the flood-affected.”

The additional donation by the German Federal Office will be utilized for emergency relief in the temporary camps as well as towards food and non-food items for returnees and the cleaning of wells.

Donations from the European Commission and EU member states added together now amount to over Rs. 450 million (3 million Euro) making the EU the biggest single donor towards flood relief in Sri Lanka.

(9 February 2011)