Oh Dang, the Plans

Well, I suppose I'll never get to stop blogging about the tsunami. After all, it has done way enough not to hit the headlines again, atleast during our times. But for all these days, post-tsunami issues have been far worse than the tsunami itself. Then again, that is to be expected in a world like this.

The Colombo skies have been extremely busy lately, still not even near to the traffic in the streets below. However, what caught my eye was the highly guarded escort of the ex-US-presidents. Mr. George Bush Snr. and Mr. Bill Clinton made their way through the island to tour tsunami ravaged areas making an addition to the numerous foreign dignitaries who have visited the country since 26 December. Their visit included a child counseling centre, and a water purification plant and a reconstruction site in Matara.

I don't think there's ever been a tragedy that affected the heartbeat of the American people as much as this tsunami has done.
- George Bush Snr

Not quite sure of the significance the day carries, but for some reason, the government had finally decided to ditch their plans and do something worth while. The entire country was taken by surprise when they announced the new housing grant for tsunami victims, which is expected to be put into effect immediately. The housing reconstruction grant would provide LKR 250,000 (USD 2,500) each to those who have lost their houses due to the tsunami disaster, which is estimated to be nearly 100,000.

In another quite oblivious addition to the history books, a couple of NFL players from the US made a touchdown here in Sri Lanka after their visit to work with the UN World Food Programme which is apparently helping feed over 850,000 people over here. The two players from New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs headed to the southern city of Galle to deliver the supplies and also lend their physical support.

Out of the main scenes, The Tsunami Hacker, well to be more precise, the one alleged with New Year’s Eve hacking attempt on DEC was released on bail after pleading not guilty. D.J. Cuthbert, 28 from east London was charged with a single offence for the misuse of computers after his alleged attempt to gain unauthorized access to the DEC website which claimed to have raised £300 million for Tsunami victims.

Well, form what I gain; you don't have to jump into a cash pod to find those notes, just look for the large waves in a nearby shore.

User Naz   Post Date Monday, February 21, 2005 | Comments (4)

Comments

On February 22, 2005, Jonny Said...

I'm a medical student at the University of Southampton in the UK. I am involvced in a website that is making available online resources to help survivors of the tsunami to cope with their experiences.


The free online interventions have been designed to increase peoples ability to cope, and decrease the likelihood of the development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. People who utilise the interventions will also fill also questionnaires to aid research into post traumatic psychological interventions.

We believe that these interventions could significantly help people who have been affected by the tsunami.

www.psychology.soton.ac.uk/olq/tsunami

Please do pass on the URL as you see appropriate.


On February 23, 2005, Opinioes Said...

I just visited Sri Lanka and am deeply touched by the beauty of the country and its people.
While there I concluded that its far more efficient to help if we go closer to those in need.


On February 23, 2005, Zeus Said...

Yes it is. the broader scope is just to generalize the statistics.

Btw, those pics on ur blog are really great. you've indeed done a great deal of work over here. too bad I wasn't down south during this month. and to be honest, I've never taken that route from Tissamaharama to Ella. think it might have been fun ride.


On February 24, 2005, Opinioes Said...

It sure was although i was feeling terribly guilty to leave the coast. the little i gave did not satisfy me. I really wanted to help eveybody if i just could.
as for the pictures, i just clicked, the beuty is all there.
all i think now is when can i go back!


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