NEW YORK:
The devastating floods and landslides in southern Sri Lanka have extracted a heavy toll of life and property causing immense suffering for thousands. According to latest figures 164 have died, 104 are still missing and more than 100,000 people have been dislocated.
The Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) calls upon the international community to contribute generously towards the rescue and rehabilitation of populations affected by the floods. The TGTE also appeals to the global Tamil diaspora to extend their sincere support to alleviate the suffering of victims and volunteer efforts to help deal with the unfolding calamity through all possible avenues.
In this moment of humanitarian crisis it is imperative for all concerned show solidarity with the victims of this unprecedented tragedy. In the long run the current crisis indicates the need for better preparedness and improvements in infrastructure at the local levels throughout the island of Sri Lanka to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters.
Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran (Prime Minister, Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam TGTE)