Hi, my name is Suhashie. I am the current President of the Deakin University Sri Lankan Association (DUSLA). We’re fundraising to support urgent relief efforts for the communities and animals devastated by the 2025 Sri Lankan floods.

Last week, Sri Lanka faced its worst natural disaster since the 2004 tsunami. Cyclone Ditwah, combined with weeks of relentless rain, has caused unimaginable devastation. As of the morning of December 3, more than 1.6 million people have been affected, including around 275,000 children. Over 470 lives have been lost, and the toll is expected to rise as more than 360 people remain missing. More than 41,000 homes have been damaged, entire neighbourhoods have been swept away, and countless families are now without shelter, food, clean water, or basic necessities. The scale of this tragedy is heartbreaking, and support is urgently needed.

This cause is deeply personal to us. We are a group of Sri Lankan diaspora students and young professionals currently living in Melbourne, Australia, most of whom were born and raised in Sri Lanka. Many of our families still live in the regions impacted by the flooding, and we have close ties to the affected communities through family, friends, neighbours, and local shelters we have supported for years.

Sri Lanka is home to people and animals we love, and seeing them suffer through a crisis of this magnitude has been devastating. We started this fundraiser to provide a safe and transparent way for people outside Sri Lanka to contribute directly to relief efforts.

This fundraiser is being held under my personal name for full accountability. I am personally responsible for receiving all donations and transferring them directly to the Sri Lankan government’s official disaster relief accounts and to Rescue Pirate (Sri Lanka), a trusted grassroots organisation rescuing stranded pets and injured street animals affected by the floods.

To ensure that donations reach Sri Lanka without loss, we will personally cover all currency conversion fees. Proof of all transfers, receipts, and regular updates will be shared so donors can clearly see where the funds have gone and the impact they have made. Please try to donate by the 5th of December to make sure your support reaches those in urgent need.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. Will you consider donating $5, $10, or $25? Your support can help a displaced family receive food and clean water, provide medical care and dry clothing to those who have lost everything. Or ensure that injured and abandoned animals receive rescue, treatment, and safety.

Thank you for taking the time to support Sri Lanka during this devastating moment.