One hundred and twenty three Dutch tourists who had a great escape from the tsunami disaster on December 26 and were rescued by Sri Lankans and ensured safe passage back home have initiated a “Friends of Sri Lanka’’ campaign in Holland.

This effort has been much more fruitful than what its initiators expected and 307 catamaran type boats are being provided to fishing families living along the coast from Bentota to Unawatuna as a first step, Prem Dissanayake, spokesman for the group said.

He said that this has been organized by Jos Herijenthuis, the President of the travel company Fox Vakanties in Holland and the ceremonial event has been scheduled for February 7 at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo