Dr. Chula Rajapakse MNZM United Sri Lanka Association.

To:

Hon Nanaia Mahuta,

Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

NZ Parliament.

Dear Minister,

I am writing to say how pleased I was to read your tweet and that of NZ High Commissioner  in Colombo, informing us  of your decision to make the above donation to help Sri Lanka in it’s hour of need.

It makes me immensely proud, as a New Zealander of Sri Lankan origin, that despite being a small nation and economy, New Zealand has been the first cab off the rank, from among western nations, to come to Sri Lanka’s aid in it’s current crisis. You have also chosen a group in Sri Lanka that has been significantly affected currently, demonstrating not only your concern but also of your being well informed of SL’s current needs.

My mind goes back to the 2004 Asian Tsunami, when New Zealand, then under  PM  Helen Clark,  was again a most prominent & generous donor that enabled our association to build 60 brand new homes of SL’s western coast to replace 60 destroyed by the tsunami.

I haven doubt with these thanks and reflections , I am also reflecting the thoughts of many thousands of Sri Lankan origin, who now call New Zealand, home.

Permit me also to record our appreciation of the efforts of the Sri Lankan born MP in the NZ parliament, Vanushi Walters, who I know, has been advocating very vigorously to help Sri Lanka. This outcome , which though the first hopefully will not be the last,  will no doubt please her too.

Thanking you once again,

Yours Sincerely,

Dr. Chula Rajapakse MNZM

Spokesperson,

United Sri Lanka Association.

Wellington NZ