Philippines provides assistance to rebuild infrastructures affected by cyclone ‘Roanu’ in Sri Lanka

The Government of the Philippines donated $ 100,000 to the Government of Sri Lanka to rebuild the infrastructures affected by cyclone ‘Roanu’ which caused heavy damage in May 2016.

The donation was handed over by Enrique Manalo, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Philippines (Minister), on 5 April 2017 to Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Philippines Aruni Ranaraja, at a special ceremony held at the Department of Foreign Affairs of Philippines in Manila.

Manalo speaking at the event said, “We feel the pain and anguish of those affected, whose lives have been drastically changed by that tragic event. Because we also experience such natural calamities, the Filipino people too know the pain of loss and devastation.” 

Receiving the donation, Ambassador Ranaraja expressed gratitude for the gesture of support and solidarity of the Government of the Philippines towards the people of Sri Lanka at a time of special need. Further, the Ambassador conveyed that the Government of Sri Lanka is planning to utilise the present donation in establishing a community drinking water scheme including a water purification unit to service some of the most needy areas in the Aranayaka Division such as Kalugala, Wasanthagama and Habalallawa settlement schemes. The community water supply scheme will cater to more than 150 families in the resettled areas. 

Manalo was joined at the ceremony by Chief Coordinator, Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Leah Ruiz Basinang, Assistant Secretary Milllicent Cruz-Paredes, Assistant Secretary Mario L. De Leon, Jr., Executive Director Evangeline T. Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, Special Assistant Edward C. Yulo, Director Jeffrey P. Salic of the Asian and Pacific Affairs and Sewwandi de Silva, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Sri Lanka.

Tropical storm Roanu hit Sri Lanka on 15 May 2016 causing widespread flooding and landslides in 22 out of 25 districts in the country. At least 52 people died and 99 were reported missing. The floods, reportedly the worst in 25 years, destroyed a large number of houses and important infrastructure.