International Red Cross President meets Prime Minister

[TamilNet, Monday, 10 January 2005, 11:11 GMT]
Mr.Juan Manuel Suarez Del Toro Rivero, President of International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) Monday paid courtesy call on Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mr.Mahinda Rajapakse at the latter's official residence Temple Trees. Mr.Juan Manuel Suarez del Toro Rivero who is currently in the island meeting with Red Cross officials and reviewing ongoing Tsunami relief and assistance programmes.

Mr.Juan Manuel Suarez Del Toro Rivero said his organisation has had a historic response throughout the world, the public, the corporate sector and Governments. He further said that in support of the SLRCS, the IFRC has brought the full power of nearly every National Society in the world (181 Red Cross members) to assist one of our Tsunami affected member societies.

IFRC President in conversation with Prime Minister and SLRC President

"The symbol of the Red Cross and Red Crescent is renowned the world over, as belonging to our unique organization whose mission is to bring unflagging assistance and service to the most vulnerable in society, especially so in times of natural disaster. Our biggest strength is our volunteers who are close to the people and work day and night with a commitment that is unsurpassed. This was amply demonstrated in Sri Lanka following the Tsunami tragedy, one of the most horrible disasters ever in the history of mankind. You worked day and night, inspite of having lost your loved ones, with an insurgent power of humanity. It's the volunteers and their passion that makes our movement what it is. We are proud of you and give the whole world hope in sadness", he told Mr.Mahinda Rajapakse during the discussion.

"Immediate priority is to continue to deliver relief and continue to support in health and medical care. The IFRC is here to listen very carefully to the rehabilitation experts in the Red Cross, the Government and the universities and institutes to ensure our support is well targeted", he added.

"In such a short time you have come up with a road map for the continuing phase of the relief operation and for recovery. I also note your Government is getting into planning for the crucial rehabilitation phase", he said commending the ongoing relief operations in affected areas in the country.

Earlier the IFRC President visited two centres for the displaced handed over by AGA Negombo to be run by the SLRCS Gampaha Branch. The camp at Wellaweediya has 107 families and the camp at Don Bosco has 137 families. Red Cross volunteers are conducting health awareness and hygiene programmes in the centers while the Government is in charge of providing food and sanitation facilities to the displaced, concluded the press release issued by the Sri Lanka Red Cross.