The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara decided to make the customary Ramadan donation for some of the survivors of the Earthquake who arrived in Ankara, this year.
The Embassy said in a statement that the devastating earthquakes on 6 February followed by over 6,000 aftershocks and flooding that occurred in the southeastern part of Turkiye, resulted in destroying over 50,000 lives and infrastructure spread over 10 provinces with over 110,000 sqm area. According to an offıcial estimate over 300,000 have migrated to Ankara, with most living in with relatives, friends and dormitories.
The Embassy stated that it decided to provide the donation boxes to people living in Alacaatlı Neighborhood of Cankaya District of the Ankara Province. The support for this group is extended by the local Neighborhood Muhtar who is the elected village head. Muhtars and their village councils are elected during local elections for five (05) years. Political parties are not permitted to nominate candidates for these posts.
The head of Muhtar, Hülya Erdoğan of Alacaatlı Neighborhood and her all-female volunteer team invited a group of survivors to gather at their office to receive the donation. The volunteer team along with Embassy staff and members of the Sri Lankan community distributed the donation boxes. The Ambassador also interacted with the group, who shared their horrific experiences, and how they are trying their best to be resilient.
The Ambassador also had discussions with Hülya Erdoğan and her team on their mandate which includes extending physical and mental support with counselling for survivors and funding. The Ambassador assured her support in their efforts.
The Embassy further stated that the Ambassador thanked the Embassy staff and some of the members of the Sri Lankan community who contributed to making the Ramadan donation packs and added that as the disaster occurred on the day that the formal reception of Sri Lanka’s 75th Anniversary of Independence was to take place, it was decided to add a special gift, in commemoration of the same. (NewsWire)
