December 12, Colombo (LNW): In a gesture of solidarity, the diplomatic corps in Sri Lanka have collectively contributed Rs 3.6 million from their own salaries to assist communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
The private donation underscores the envoys’ personal commitment to supporting relief efforts beyond their official duties.
The funds were formally handed over on Thursday (11) to Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath by Dewi Gustina Tobing, Ambassador of Indonesia and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Colombo. She was joined by representatives from Italy, South Korea, Switzerland, Maldives, Palestine, and Oman.
The participating diplomats included: Dewi Gustina Tobing (Indonesia), Lee Miyon (Republic of Korea), Dr Siri Walt (Switzerland), Masood Imad (Maldives), Ihab I.M. Khalil (Palestine), Said Al Harbi (Oman), and Alberto Arcidiacono (Italy).
Officials highlighted that the contribution, drawn directly from personal salaries rather than institutional budgets, demonstrates the international community’s empathy for the hardships faced by Sri Lankans in the wake of the recent natural disaster. The funds are expected to support immediate relief operations, including food, medical aid, and essential supplies for affected families.
