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An overwhelming global response

Sri Lanka has never faced a disaster of this scale before. Indeed, it would not be wrong to say that Asia as a whole has not faced such a calamity in living memory. Sri Lanka and India are among the countries worst affected by the tidal wave catastrophe. The Asia-wide death toll has already exceeded 25,000.

The tragedy has moved the whole world, from South America to Australia. Messages of support and condolence from leaders around the world have reached President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, who is leading the relief effort.

As soon as she heard the tragic news, President Kumaratunga made a passionate plea from the international community to provide assistance to Sri Lanka in the wake of this unprecedented natural calamity. She went on international satellite television and was in contact with world leaders, explaining the situation in Sri Lanka and seeking emergency assistance.

She returned to the island as soon as possible and straight away began directing the massive relief and rehabilitation effort. Her finesse in international diplomacy has won many friends for Sri Lanka. They have come to our rescue at this time of need.

The outpouring of international sympathy for Sri Lanka is overwhelming. More than 16 nations have already pledged assistance and more are joining them by the hour. Many nations have gone beyond mere words of sympathy and are actively involved in the relief endeavours.

India, one of our staunchest allies, was the first to respond. This is remarkable, given that India herself suffered a massive loss of lives in this catastrophe. Nevertheless, India did not hesitate a minute to send planes, ships, helicopters and rescue personnel for operations here.

Pakistan was also quick to respond. President Pervez Musharaff pledged to provide every possible assistance to Sri Lanka and made arrangements to send an aircraft with relief supplies. Nepal, another SAARC member, is following suit.

France also took the unusual step of sending its Foreign Minister with a planeload of supplies and personnel to Colombo, as a mark of friendship and solidarity. Among the other countries which have pledged aid are US, Russia, UK, China, Greece, Israel, Australia, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Netherlands.

The President has also urged Lankan expatriates, especially doctors and rehabilitation engineers, to come to Sri Lanka at this moment and help the Motherland. They should heed this clarion call and help their brethren to stand on their feet again. The Lankan diaspora should also rally round their Motherland to send contributions in cash and kind for the tsunami victims.

Rehabilitating traumatised lives and re-building the tsunami-ravaged areas must be a priority. Foreign expertise will be invaluable in this regard, as some of the countries which have already pledged assistance have undergone similar experiences. They can be actively involved in resettlement and rebuilding efforts.

Rehabilitating the infrastructure network will be a Herculean task that is likely to take several months, if not years. The road and rail network has suffered extensive damage, along with telecommunications, water supplies and power distribution. A blueprint for rebuilding infrastructure facilities must be drawn up without delay.

Resettling survivors must also be carried out in a systematic manner so that they do not face a similar threat again. For example, the new settlements can be moved inland. The time is also ripe to remove all illegal settlements along the coastline.

Earthquake resistance must be taken into account in the rebuilding of structures affected by Sunday's events. This practice should continue - permits should be issued only for the construction of commercial buildings which can resist earthquakes and tremors.

It is also essential to educate the masses on the destructive power of earthquakes and tsunamis, as we can no longer consider Sri Lanka to be in an earthquake-free zone. Such an awareness campaign should be launched with foreign assistance.

As we mentioned at the beginning, Sri Lanka did not face this disaster alone. This is an ideal time for Asia to further strengthen the unity and friendship among its myriad of nations. They should help each other to overcome this crisis, rebuild their nations and face the future with confidence.

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