Church aiding Sri Lanka’s flood victims

(May 24, 2010) Torrential rain and strong winds have led to devastating floods in several parts of Sri Lanka killing at least 20 and displacing some half million. The Catholic Church has swung into action with its relief agencies. The Sri Lanka Navy has sent 23 naval teams and 22 naval crafts to bring relief to the population, whilst the Sri Lankan army has dispatched more than 2,000 soldiers. Floodwaters now cover large areas in Gampaha, Colombo and Kalutara, the most affected districts, in the western part of the country. The Church is playing a crucial role in the relief efforts with individual parishes opening their churches and buildings to the homeless. Caritas is also directly involved in relief operations. It is coordinating a number of religious groups housing victims in schools, churches and makeshift refugee camps, providing food and health care across the affected territory. Caritas Colombo has already raised half a million rupiahs for relief aid. In the Archdiocese of Colombo, the faithful have responded positively to the appeal launched by Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith to open their churches, parish halls and other buildings to the refugees, as well as provide them with food. The prelate has also called on his faithful to contribute food and relief material the Caritas office at the Archbishop’s House.