Sri Lanka It's Happening

December 29, 2004

The US government (whose actions do not reflect the views of the average US citizen) is continuing to spend billions to kill people in Iraq. That same government has pledged a mere 15 million dollars to help fund the relief efforts in south asia in the after math of the tidal wave.

15 million dollars is the kind of money that we impoverished sri lankans can raise among overselvs. Indeed the monetary value of the food, clothes and other donations collected by various organizations probably amounted to more than that.

Some transport companies have lent their entire fleet of lorries to relief organizations at no charge. Taxis that carry people with donations are not charing their fees. Poor people who barely make enough money to feed themselves have donated a weeks salary to help the victims. In this backdrop what is $15 million from the US.

India has been badly effected by the tsunami, yet their kind and generous enough to lend us helicopters. Pakistan has a economy that is weaker than ours, yet they have sent us aid and they are also helping india. Even during the last decade these two countries were shooting at each other across the border.

Many other countries that cannot afford to send us any goods are sending people to help. In the united states independent charities and churches are said to have launched a massive campaign to raise funds. I wouldn't be suprised if they raise ten times as much as little bush.

Being a Sri Lankan I am well aware that the actions and the opinions of politians are not those of the people they supposedly represent.

Posted by raditha at December 29, 2004 6:41 AM