Trinco fishermen receive boats, engines

[TamilNet, Thursday, 14 April 2005, 02:29 GMT]
Mercy Ships International with other international non-government organizations, Education For Service (EFS) and Peace and Hope Trust (UK) distributed six fishing boats and outboard motor engines to tsunami affected fishermen of Pallathoddam, Nilaveli, Selvanayakapuram and Sambalthivu, coastal suburbs of the east port town. Pastor Rajan Singarajah of Jesus Blesses Full Gospel Church in Alles Garden organized the event held Tuesday on the beach of Alles Garden, Trincomalee.

Lee Soo-Jin, Director, Asia-Pacific of Mercy Ships International

Mr.Lee Soo-Jin, Director, Asia-Pacific of the Mercy Ships said 45 fishermen of the area have been identified for the distribution of fishing boats and outboard engines. As a first phase six boats were donated at the event. Balance would be donated in the next several weeks, he said.

Mercy Ships International which has its headquarters in Singapore played a vital role in organizing the project of assisting Trincomalee fishermen who lost all their boats and fishing gear in tsunami last year, sources said.




Sqd.Ldr.Michael Cole hands over the first boats to a beneficiary. Pastor Rajan Singarajah is also seen



"Mercy Ships International is a global charity functioning since 1978. We operate hospital ships to serve poor and needy in the developing nations. We mobilize people from about forty countries to work in partnership with governments, non-governmental organizations and local communities. Our main focus is providing medical help," said Mr.Soo-Jin.

families of beneficiaries

"Following tsunami disaster I visited Trincomalee two months ago and sawthe urgent need to replace fishing boats and engines lost in tsunami. We found three priorities to be addressed urgently. One is the replacement of fishing boats and the second is rebuilding the devastated homes. The third is restoring the coastal areas which is not within our scope," said Mr.Lee Soo-Jin.

Mr.Gregg Wareham of EFS and Mr.Gordon Taylor of Peace and Hope Trust also spoke at the event.

Retired Nicaraguan Air Force Officer Squadron leader Michael Cole handed over the first boat to a beneficiary.

Boats on their maiden voyage