Sri Lanka is currently undergoing its worst economic crisis, and that is saying a lot from a country that endured a 29-year civil war, a devastating tsunami, terrorist attacks, and a global pandemic to top it all off. Among the many problems, Sri Lanka has dwindling foreign reserves, resulting in it being unable to import even the essentials.

 

Sri Lanka cannot import fuel and has 6-13 hours a day of power cuts. Power cuts in the Tropics mean stifling heat and mosquitoes. Petrol prices have doubled in the last year and there is a fuel shortage (petrol, diesel, kerosene & gas), which forces people to line up for hours. Prices for essential goods (food) have soared over the last few months, and a food crisis is expected to hit Sri Lanka in the coming months. Month-to-month food inflation stands over 50%.

 

In response to the crisis Shehani Alles, Setavya Mudalige, Ramesh Ganohariti and Nynke Zandhuis, got together and launched the “Answer Their Cry” Appeal in April 2022. The aim of the appeal was to assist low-income families with young children with personalised dry ration packs in Colombo and the suburbs. Thus far we have raised Rs260’000 (Approx €700), and used up approximately half of the funds in the first two months to help 22 families (Some with 2 or more kids). We've also been able to do a small donation to Lady Ridgeway Hospital and support another relief effort. All of this is thanks to each and every one of you who supported, donated, and cheered us on.

 

Having worked on this project for three months, we believe that now we are ready to expand, by launching this GoFundMe campaign.

 

As part of this campaign, we wish to continue with the appeal, by continuing to make personalised food packs for families with young children. We will put together care packs consisting of food, toiletries and hygiene products that are essential to the healthy growth and development of infants and toddlers.

In addition given that the cost of education has also exponentially increased, we would also like to raise funds to make education packs comprising of standardised stationery and some nutritional food items for families with primary school children.

 

In the coming months (July-September) our goal is to assist 30 families with small children and 40 Education Packs.

 

30* Baby/Toddler Packs (Avg. Rs 10000) = 300’000

40* Education Packs (Avg. Rs. 7500) = 300’000

Transportation Costs = 20’000 (Given that fuel costs are exponentially increasing)

Total = 620’000 (Approx. 1700Eur, based on current exchange rate)

 

Thus, our goal is to raise €2000 (also taking into account GoFundMe & Wise banking costs). Any leftover funds will be used to continue this project, with the main focus on Baby/Toddler Packs.

 

If you prefer to donate via Bank Transfer the EU, AUD, and Sri Lankan bank details are provided below (this will reduce GoFundMe transaction costs). Please DM Ramesh or Shehani so that we can record your transfer.

 

Sri Lanka Bank Transfer

R S JOHN

Account no. 109157764996 

Swift Code - BSAMLKLX

Bank - Sampath Bank - Pita Kotte

EU Bank Transfer

R Premaratne Ganohariti

IBAN - NL11 INGB 0432 2026 25

Swift Code - INGBNL2AXXX

Bank - ING

Transfer by Tikkie - https://www.ing.nl/particulier/betaalverzoek/index.html?trxid=A0ftfUtwwKb4Gygmtovad5jCuCwmMwrk

AUD Bank Transfer

RAMESH GANOHARITI

Account no. 817106418

BSB code 802-985 

Bank - Wise Australia (Moneytech)

 

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for working with us to make a difference,

Yours sincerely,

Shehani, Setavya, Nynke & Ramesh.