Lutheran World Relief Receives US$2 Million for Sri Lanka Tsunami Recovery Work

Lutheran World Relief (LWR) has received a US$2 million grant to fund rehabilitation and recovery work for Sri Lanka, one of the countries hit hardest by last year’s massive quake-tsunami disaster.

|TOP|According to an announcement made by LWR last Friday, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has offered US$2 million for longer-term efforts in Sri Lanka after the effects caused by the devastating tsunami that slammed into coastal towns and villages across south and south East Asia, killing over 280,000 people and affecting millions throughout the region.

LWR president Kathryn Wolford expressed gratitude for the donation that will help not only fund recovery projects but address poverty that existed prior to when the tsunami hit.

"We are incredibly grateful for ELCA’s commitment to our response in South and Southeast Asia," Wolford said in a statement released by LWR. “This US$2 million grant will allow us to engage in the kind of long-term work in Sri Lanka that LWR is known for—addressing the underlying conditions of chronic poverty and providing lasting change.”

The Rev. Dr. Rafael Malpica-Padilla, the executive director of the ELCA's Division for Global Mission, also expressed his joy with the partnership between ELCA and LWR.

"We are very pleased to provide this grant to LWR," said Padilla. “The magnitude of this disaster compels us to support one another in our relief efforts and to rebuild on each other’s competencies.”

Tim McCully, LWR’s vice president for international programs, noted the importance of ELCA’s grant and the projects that will be supported through the fund.

"Now, this new donation is equally important as we shift from relief to longer-term rehabilitation efforts. This grant will allow LWR and our local partner organisations to work with more families in more communities," he stated.

Long term rehabilitation projects include programs such as to provide permanent houses, helping the Sri Lankan people earn an income using their skills, assisting them to manage and protect their natural resources and "[helping] them reduce their risks to future disasters," McCully explained.

When the Tsunami first hit in late December 2004, ELCA had provided US$100,000 to LWR for emergency relief. LWR and its partner organisations working in Sri Lanka in the immediate aftermath were able to provide more than 45,000 people with food, water, tents, cooking utensils, clothing, medicine, school books and uniforms, according to LWR.

The organisation has also responded to the tsunami through helping to repair damaged houses and schools, providing loans and training to restore and diversify livelihoods and offering counseling to the victims.

In total, LWR’s Wave of Giving campaign has raised $18 million to rebuild the lives of people in India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia although initially the goal was only to raise US$5-10 million. The US$18 million will provide LWR and partners in India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka funds for long-term recovery effort for up to ten years.






Michelle Vu
Christian Today Correspondent