SL Red Cross Society clarifies over Siriliya Saviya Foundation

The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society would like to clarify and provide information to the public about the vehicle that was loaned to the Siriliya Saviya Foundation.

Sri Lanka Red Cross (then Ceylon Red Cross) was founded in 1936 and was later ratified by the Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 and the UN resolution 55 (1) recognizing it as a National Society which is Auxiliary to the Government of its established country, in its humanitarian activities. We have the right to act upon our Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.

On 21 June 2011 an official communique was raised to our Chairman (President) Jagath Abeysinghe by the Secretary of the Siriliya Saviya Foundation Kumari Dissanayake requesting support for transportation for its health related work for women and children.

Accordingly on 22 June 2011, our Chairman (President) wrote officially to the Minister of Social Welfare at that time, Former Minister Felix Perera seeking his advice on the next course of action for Sri Lanka Red Cross to take on this matter.

On 27 June 2011, the Minister of Social Welfare Former Minister Felix Perera wrote back with his consent and concur, while requesting Sri Lanka Red Cross to proceed in providing the said support towards transportation to the Siriliya Saviya Foundation. The Minister also emphasised to Sri Lanka Red Cross that this opportunity to support the Siriliya Saviya Foundation should be considered as a privilege to serve the most vulnerable people of Sri Lanka.

Accordingly a defender bearing the number plate WP-KA 0642 was handed over to the Chairperson of the Siriliya Saviya Foundation former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapakse on 11 August 2011.

On 20 January 2015, the Transport Manager of Sri Lanka Red Cross retrieved the said vehicle from the Siriliya Saviya Foundation.

We would like to inform the public that Sri Lanka Red Cross Society is unaware of the activities and maintenance of this vehicle from the period of August 2011 to until the time the vehicle was retrieved in this year as it was entrusted to the Siriliya Saviya Foundation.

On 30 June 2015, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) requested our President and our Director General to provide statements on the change of colour of the said vehicle, to which both has provided all information known to the authorities. The vehicle is now in the procession of the Criminal Investigation Department.

Sri Lanka Red Cross will continue to provide accurate information to the authorities over the matter in the coming days as well.