Colombo bishop asks for assistance

The Diocese of New Westminster has received word from an Anglican bishop in Sri Lanka on what the church is doing in the relief efforts and how local Anglicans can help.

Responding to an email offering assistance, Bishop Duleep De Chickera of the Diocese of Colombo replied this week that Anglicans in Sri Lanka need tents, household items, toys and drawing and painting materials for children, and building equipment.

“We soon anticipate the need for builders –masons, carpenters etc. but will let you know,” he wrote. Professional trauma counselors would also be welcome.

The Bishop De Chickera provided guidelines for people who want to send relief materials, and also provided a way for Canadians to send cash.

Bishop Michael Ingham and other New Westminster Anglicans met Bishop De Chickera and his wife Geetha last summer in St. Catharine’s, Ontario, and the national General Synod. The visitor from Colombo and his wife were assigned to sit at the New Westminster delegate’s table.

Bishop De Chickera provided statistics which illustrate the enormity of the disaster resulting from the Dec. 26 tsunami in his country: 30,922, dead; 5,565 still missing (as of Jan. 18); 15,196, injured; 437,482 people displaced including those in 84,612 families. The government has had to set up 370 camps. Almost 1,000 children have been orphaned.

“An Art exhibition by internally displaced children was on display at the National Art gallery,” he wrote. “The title of the exhibition is ‘Tsunamiyen Mathuwu Kirikawadi’ (Talents discovered after the tsunami). The objective of the exhibition was to allow the children an outlet to express their feelings.”

“Two weekly interfaith youth teams are being dispatched to help clean up areas affected by the Tsunami. The purpose of these efforts is not just to fill the practical need of cleaning out the rubble; it also serves as a way for youth to show solidarity with those affected by the devastation.”

“It further presents us with a fragile but sacred opportunity to share experiences, build relationships and make something positive out of the present situation,” the bishop wrote.

He said that the diocese welcomes visitors, but only in small groups. He asks that anyone wishing to go to Sri Lanka consult the diocese beforehand. Relief work should be directed through Diocese of Colombo parishes, which are working with other religious groups and with aid agencies.

Diocesan Business Administrator Mike Wellwood said that any money contributions for Sri Lanka can be directed through the diocese, which can then issue tax receipts. Contributions to overall relief can be made through the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund.

Bishop De Chickera's newsletter can be found here.

For updates on relief effort in the afflicted areas from the Primate's World Relief and Development fund go here.

For news from the Partners in Mission go here.