BADDEGAMA FLOODED!

While we where in Singhapura near Polunaruwa we got the message that Baddegama was flooded due to heavy rains, and we hurried back to organize some help for those affected. We arrived back in Telwatta late in the night and during the trip back Bhante started already to organize a few things needed.

The next morning we called to a number of people in Baddegama and tried to make an inventory of what was needed. Fortunately a lot was done already by the army and some government agencies. Bhante had the day before, during our trip back, mobilized our good friend Mrs. Joy Butler Markham of the Manacare foundation and she had gone already to Baddegama and distributed food, medicine etc.

That morning when we went to Baddegama and it turned out that the water was still very high but that the situation was quite under control, and that there was not much help needed anymore.

We found out that in Neluwa near Deniyaya there was urgent need for medical help. The nurse of the Manacare centre who was standby was send there to distribute medicine and help with the needed care to be given to those in need there. This was an initiative from our BLBF.

The next step was that on initiative of Bhante Devamitta there was a meeting held on the 6th of June at the house of Mrs. Joyce Butler Markham in Hikkaduwa. During that meeting the situation in Baddegama was evaluated and on initiative of Bhante Devamitta there was a Disaster Emergency Committee formed.

Invited where:
Mrs. Joy Butler Markham of the Manacare Foundation.
The Ven. B. Samitha Thero vice pres. o/ t Baddegama Pradesia Sabhava. He excused himself and asked Bhante to represent him.
The Rev. Father Niroshan of Christ Church Parish (Church of Ceylon) in Baddegama and
The Ven. H. S. Devamitta Thero.

A number of needs and wants and a work program where formulated.
We hope to have the second meeting soon.