Dear Rienze,

I am back from Bentota and Hikkaduwa. That area is beyond recognition. Do you remember the stretch of land where Bentota Hotel and Ceysands is? If you can recall it is in between the river and the sea. You could walk from Ceysands hotel to Bentota beach Hotel on the beach. You cannot do this anymore!! The sea has joined the river in-between for a stretch of 200 meters. The Ceysands is now an island. There were 2-3 Holiday bunglows in between the 2 hotels. We used to spend many numerous holidays in these bunglows. These bunglows are like our holiday home. 2 such bunglow has completely vanished into the sea. What you get now is sea instead. So now you cannot walk from Ceysands to Bentota beach anymore. Millions and millions of houses from Aluthgama to Hikkaduwa and to Colombo have been completely destroyed.

We took a Van load of relief aid, which we collected from our office staff and our own personal fund. Yet we feel depressed because our efforts are just like a drop of water in huge tank. However we are determined to continue this until it makes up happy. Every person feels this personally. Most of us have cancelled our holidays and have decided to sacrifice our luxuries for the next year. So that our contribution to these people will be on long-term. Many governments have agreed to give funds. But I do not know how long it will take it to reach needy hands.

I read in the newspaper today that your former German Chancellor Helmutkohl was in Sri Lanka when the tsunami struck, in a beach resort undergoing health spa treatment.

Pls. remember that this is a long-term project we have. As such whatever support as and when we receive is most appreciated since it will take a very long time for these people to have a normal life again. You can take all the time you need to collect whatever you can. As such I do not think if anybody is spending money to buy then in Europe I do not think it is wise to do so since we believe 3 times that quantity for the same amount you send in Europe in Sri Lanka.

Pls. also remember that a one Euro can buy at least two meals for one adult. So whatever the contribution, which may seem like small in European eyes, is very big in Sri Lankan eyes.

Love and Regards to All.

Tiloka
