SSri Lankan Tsunami Crisis (2005)

By Adonal Foyle

Adonal hiking in Sri Lanka

I was greatly saddened to hear the news of the devastating tsunami that has taken so many lives in the South Asia region. I have especially close ties to Sri Lanka, as my girlfriend is from there, and I have spent some lovely holidays on the island (known as “the Pearl of the Indian Ocean”), that was ravaged by the tsunami.

Of the nations hit by the tidal wave, Sri Lanka - located south of India, was the second-worst affected. Over 5% of the population are in distress, with approximately 48,000 people dead and over 1 million people homeless. I was relieved to hear that my girlfriend (who was there for Christmas) and her family were okay, but this is small comfort in the face of how many people have been impacted. In my visits to the country, I was always touched by the warmth and friendliness of the people there, despite the poverty and hardship they endure.

What the Sri Lankan still need is money to provide for their continued efforts to rebuild.

For further information please visit Rebuild Sri Lanka's website: www.rebuildsrilanka.org.

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