ABU DHABI ; Embassy, Consulate receive tons of relief supplies from expats for cyclone-hit country
Abu Dhabi-headquartered Lulu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali MA has led the United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents supporting ongoing cyclone relief and recovery efforts in Sri Lanka, following the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Yusuf Ali handed over financial assistance of Rs. 32 million ($ 100,000) from the retail group to Assador of Sri Lanka to the UAE Arusha Cooray at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi yesterday.
The contribution will go towards the national relief and recovery fund to help affected families and communities rebuild their lives.
“Sri Lanka has been a trusted partner for decades. Today, we stand with its people as long-term partners committed to rebuilding lives and communities. We are extending our support and stand in solidarity with our neighbouring nation,” Ali said in a statement.
Ambassador Cooray expressed gratitude for the support, stating: “Yusuff Ali’s support towards [cyclone and] flood relief will make a meaningful difference in alleviating the suffering of those affected in Sri Lanka. This contribution stands as a testament to Lulu’s commitment to humanitarian causes. Such timely assistance will directly help families affected by Cyclone Ditwah and reinforces the strong bonds between our countries.”
The Ambassador also thanked the Sri Lankan expat community in the UAE for their efforts. “I am deeply moved by the overwhelming generosity of our community in the UAE for donations, tireless work, and heartfelt compassion. My sincere thanks to all of you and Embassy staff who worked tirelessly through the night for your dedication and unity,” she said in a post on ‘X.’
Speaking to Gulf News, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates Alexi Gunasekera said the Consulate in Dubai also received financial support from multiple sources.
He said Tristar Group CEO Eugene Mayne pledged to donate Rs. 25 million (Dh 300,000), while Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors in the UAE (SLQS-UAE) donated Rs. 8.5 million and the Sri Lankan Professionals Association (SLPA) donated Rs. 5.5 million.
“We are grateful to all our donors for their generous contributions at this time of crisis,” said the Consul General.
He said the Sri Lankan missions in the UAE are also sending tons of relief materials by sea and air after the recent collection drive.
“One 40-foot container will go from Dubai tomorrow, plus another close to 10 tons of air cargo,” he said.
He said the Embassy in Abu Dhabi is also sending a 40-foot container by ship to Sri Lanka. The missions had launched the collection drive last week. The consulate even remained open for 24 hours.
Embassy, Consulate receive tons of relief supplies from expats for cyclone-hit country
Abu Dhabi-headquartered Lulu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali MA has led the United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents supporting ongoing cyclone relief and recovery efforts in Sri Lanka, following the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
He handed over financial assistance of Rs. 32 million ($ 100,000) from the retail group to Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the UAE Arusha Cooray at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi . Gulf News
