Moving Forward: Our Support to People in IDP Camps

Dear Friends:

Through the contacts of some of our Tamil members, we have established contacts with Mr. Priya Handy, head of the Bible College in Trincomalee to work as our liaison in channeling our support to people in IDP camps in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Priya Handy with his group of volunteers is presently working at Sahanagama camp at the 13th mile post on the Padaviya Road. They are committed to feed 2700 people with all three meals till the end of this year. They also feed the hospitalized in the Padaviya hospital. They do this along with World Concern http://www.worldconcern.org/. Their present cost is about a million and a half rupees monthly.

Although we have not collected lots of money from the Food sale at Lowell Folk Festival, we would like to send this money as soon as possible and plan on raising more money.

We are in the process of putting together a working committee not only to work towards supporting the people in IDP camps but also to offer the views/concerns/suggestions of Sri Lankan community in New England to find lasting peace in Sri Lanka where all citizens can live in dignity.

Please send me an email to: cdemel1771@aol.com, if you are interested in working as a member of this SLANE working committee.

At the Sri Lankan Day on August 15th there will be opportunities to either donate funds towards supporting people in IDP camps and/or supporting SLANE youth group with their project: ‘Pennies and Dimes for Better Times’ (flyer attached) to buy school supplies to children in IDP camps.

Thanking you in advance for your support.

Chitral de Mel
President
SLANE

Raffle - Round Trip Air Ticket: London/Colombo

Sri Lankan Day Raffle tickets are now available: $2.00 a ticket.

1st Prize – Round Trip Air Ticket: London/Colombo/London – Courtesy of Sri Lankan Airlines

2nd Prize – One night stay for two at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, breakfast included – Courtesy of Cynthia Gold Tea Sommelier, Boston Park Plaza Hotels

3rd Prize – Tea for two at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel – Courtesy of Cynthia Gold Tea Sommelier, Boston Park Plaza Hotels

4th Prize - $50 worth International Calling Cards – Courtesy of Comcast

5th – 7th Prizes - $25 worth International Calling Cards – Courtesy of Comcast

Raffle Draw will be at 7:00 PM on August 15th 2009 at NARA Park, Acton, MA

Part of the proceedings funds SLANE Children’s Charity Projects in Sri Lanka.

Word from Sri Lankan Airlines, USA:
You can now earn points towards free travel by joining FlySmiLes, the frequent flyer program of SriLankan Airlines. You can enrol yourself for FlySmiLes during the “ Sri Lankan Day” at Nara Park , Acton, MA and earn 1000 bonus FlySmiLes points towards your future travel benefits.

Sri Lankan Day in Acton, MA

This is an open invitation for all those who are interested about Sri Lanka, living in New England States: MA, RI, CT, NH, VT, ME to come to the first ever Sri Lankan Day Event on August 15th 2009 at NARA Park in Acton, MA.

There will be exhibit booths showcasing different aspects of the Sri Lankan culture and life styles of the people in Sri Lanka and few Sri Lankan food stalls including Sri Lankan rice and curry. The highlight of the event will be a Sri Lankan cultural performances that includes: Sri Lankan Drum performances and Sri Lankan traditional dances.

Entrance Free