Emergency fund for Batticaloa bombing victims
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Emergency fund to support wounded victims of the Easter Sunday attack in Batticaloa
Once again, last Sunday we saw an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians. The Easter bombing was an attack not just on Batticaloa, not only on people of Sri Lanka, but an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share.
Batticaloa is my home town, and I have spent most of my time as a young student at St Michael's college, which is next to Zion Church where the attack took place. Batticaloa, a multi-ethnic town where Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists live together, was heavily affected during the brutal civil war that ended in 2009 and the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004. It remains a majority Tamil area 8 hours’ drive from the capital Colombo and with much less developed infrastructure and medical facilities.
When shocking videos and footage appeared across the internet and media, I recognised beloved schoolfriends and members of the local community courageously engaged in rescuing injured people from the carnage inside the Church.
In total, 73 people were admitted at the Batticaloa teaching hospital. 24 are receiving treatment for potentially life changing injuries. 5 victims are in the intensive care unit, desperately fighting for their lives. Tragically, 26 people lost their lives in the blast, including 14 children.
Whilst basic emergency healthcare is available, specialised treatment, medical supplies during recovery and transport to better equipped hospitals in Colombo are not covered by the State. These drastic expenses further complicate the situation of those who are suffering. Furthermore, support for their families and those grieving, who are struggling to afford everyday amenities like food, is crucially needed.
Any donations to this page (less GoFundMe and currency exchange fees) will go directly to the affected community and individuals in collaboration with the established Human Rights Civil Committee Batticaloa (HRCCB), a grassroots, interfaith organisation supporting peaceful dialogue and cooperation. I will be withdrawing the funds into my account and then making a transfer (by WorldRemit) to HRCCB's bank account in Batticaloa. They will be distributing the funds to the families of injured parties from the list provided by the local hospital.
Communication directly from the local hospital indicates that amongst those in desperate need are;
Elissa Deborah, who at 7 years old, has lost an eye (with her vision compromised in the other), is suffering from serious internal bleeding, has compound fractures in both legs and is experiencing spinal issues.
Ranjith, Elissa’s Dad, who has fractured his arms and legs and is suffering from burns.
Kirija, a mother of 4 young children, who has had her gall bladder removed and remains in intensive care.
Prasteen, who is 26 and is suffering from internal bleeding and facial injuries from the blast. He currently cannot afford the surgery he desperately needs.
Susitha Suresh, who faces serious nerve damage to her legs and damage to her knee caps. The surgery she requires cannot be carried out in Batticaloa and she will need to be transported to a specialist facility in Colombo.
This is an abbreviated list of those seriously injured and their families and dependents have the dual pressure of economic and emotional costs at this time. We aim to alleviate some of this stress and uncertainty by providing financial aid directly to those affected.
As a rough guide;
£10 (approximately 2,200 Rupees) would feed a family of 4 for one day.
£70 (16,000 Rupees) would cover the costs of return travel from Batticaloa to Colombo.
£130 (approximately 30,000 Rupees) would pay for minor surgery.
Please give as much as you can.
Nandri (thank you).
Once again, last Sunday we saw an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians. The Easter bombing was an attack not just on Batticaloa, not only on people of Sri Lanka, but an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share.
Batticaloa is my home town, and I have spent most of my time as a young student at St Michael's college, which is next to Zion Church where the attack took place. Batticaloa, a multi-ethnic town where Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists live together, was heavily affected during the brutal civil war that ended in 2009 and the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004. It remains a majority Tamil area 8 hours’ drive from the capital Colombo and with much less developed infrastructure and medical facilities.
When shocking videos and footage appeared across the internet and media, I recognised beloved schoolfriends and members of the local community courageously engaged in rescuing injured people from the carnage inside the Church.
In total, 73 people were admitted at the Batticaloa teaching hospital. 24 are receiving treatment for potentially life changing injuries. 5 victims are in the intensive care unit, desperately fighting for their lives. Tragically, 26 people lost their lives in the blast, including 14 children.
Whilst basic emergency healthcare is available, specialised treatment, medical supplies during recovery and transport to better equipped hospitals in Colombo are not covered by the State. These drastic expenses further complicate the situation of those who are suffering. Furthermore, support for their families and those grieving, who are struggling to afford everyday amenities like food, is crucially needed.
Any donations to this page (less GoFundMe and currency exchange fees) will go directly to the affected community and individuals in collaboration with the established Human Rights Civil Committee Batticaloa (HRCCB), a grassroots, interfaith organisation supporting peaceful dialogue and cooperation. I will be withdrawing the funds into my account and then making a transfer (by WorldRemit) to HRCCB's bank account in Batticaloa. They will be distributing the funds to the families of injured parties from the list provided by the local hospital.
Communication directly from the local hospital indicates that amongst those in desperate need are;
Elissa Deborah, who at 7 years old, has lost an eye (with her vision compromised in the other), is suffering from serious internal bleeding, has compound fractures in both legs and is experiencing spinal issues.
Ranjith, Elissa’s Dad, who has fractured his arms and legs and is suffering from burns.
Kirija, a mother of 4 young children, who has had her gall bladder removed and remains in intensive care.
Prasteen, who is 26 and is suffering from internal bleeding and facial injuries from the blast. He currently cannot afford the surgery he desperately needs.
Susitha Suresh, who faces serious nerve damage to her legs and damage to her knee caps. The surgery she requires cannot be carried out in Batticaloa and she will need to be transported to a specialist facility in Colombo.
This is an abbreviated list of those seriously injured and their families and dependents have the dual pressure of economic and emotional costs at this time. We aim to alleviate some of this stress and uncertainty by providing financial aid directly to those affected.
As a rough guide;
£10 (approximately 2,200 Rupees) would feed a family of 4 for one day.
£70 (16,000 Rupees) would cover the costs of return travel from Batticaloa to Colombo.
£130 (approximately 30,000 Rupees) would pay for minor surgery.
Please give as much as you can.
Nandri (thank you).
Organizer
Gee Manohar
Organizer
