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

Mr. 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, Ambassador conveyed that the Government of Sri Lanka is planning to utilize the present donation in establishing a community drinking water scheme including a water purification unit to service some of the 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.

Tropical storm “Roanu” hit Sri Lanka on 15 May 2016 causing widespread flooding and landslides in 22 districts. At least 52 people died and 99 were reported missing.