Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, says that more than 19,000 overseas Sri Lankan workers have contributed to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund as of yesterday (02). The fund was established to support national recovery efforts following the massive destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Issuing a special statement, Dr. Suriyapperuma said:
“A large number of our citizens have been affected by the adverse weather conditions. As the government works to provide relief, many Sri Lankans abroad requested a formal mechanism to support the affected communities. In response, the Ministry of Finance and other government institutions are implementing two programmes.”
Under the first programme, a special Bank of Ceylon account was opened to receive financial contributions from Sri Lankans living overseas. “So far, more than 19,000 overseas workers have deposited money into this account,” he said.
The second programme facilitates the sending of goods to Sri Lanka with reduced documentation requirements and no fees. In addition, all duties and charges on such goods have been waived.
To expedite this process, a task force has been established under the leadership of the Director General of Customs. “This has enabled the swift release of goods sent to the country,” Dr. Suriyapperuma noted.
However, he emphasised that this special facility applies only to goods addressed to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). Full details have been published on the Customs Department website, and embassies worldwide have already been informed.
Once these shipments reach the DMC, they will be distributed to affected communities through the District Secretaries of the respective districts.
Dr. Suriyapperuma added that Sri Lankans abroad who face difficulty sending money through banks may also send funds via their respective embassies.
“As migrant workers, the money and goods you send may help your own brother or neighbour. Therefore, the support of everyone is essential to restore the lives of affected people to normal,” he said.
