The recent territorial rain in Sri Lanka crated flash floods in many parts of the country and more devastation in the north and east districts. Over one million people were displaced and many houses were fully or partially damaged. The livelihoods of the Northern and Eastern communities were also affected due to the loss of cultivation and other income sources.

Lyca’s Gnanam Foundation, with the guidance of its founding members, Mr. Subaskaran Allirajah, Mrs. Gnanambigai Allirajah and Co-Founder Mrs.Prema Subaskaran implemented flood relief assistance programmes in 8 districts, through its branch network, to help 20,000 families in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka.

The distribution activities were coordinated with the relevant government officials and all other stake holders, including Lyca’s Gnanam foundation volunteers, ensuring the displaced communities were properly supported and the assistance was delivered on time.

Lyca’s Gnanam Foundation provided relief assistance in the form of dry ration packages which included rice, dhal, sugar, tea, tinned fish, biscuits and milk powder. All pregnant women were given a hygiene package comprised of laundry soap, washing soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mosquito coils, dettol, siddhalappa balm, talc powder, combs and sanitary Napkins. In order to support the infants, infant milk powder was also distributed. In addition, bed sheets, towels, purified water cans and mosquito nets were distributed to the elders.

Although the rain has ceased, the flooding situation continues as the rain water remains in many parts without draining. Many families have returned to their homes even though water remains on their lands. Lyca’s Gnanam Foundation will continue the assistance programme by providing tin sheets to the flood victims.