Close on the heels of additional support for Sri Lanka’s efforts to resettle the war displaced in the Vanni, by way of a grant to an INGO engaged in mine clearing operations, the Federal Republic of Germany has pledged funds for a programme to strengthen the country’s ability to face natural disasters.

Germany would support, what an Embassy spokesperson called, natural disaster preparedness with the building of disaster control units in the Ampara District. A programme launched by the German Red Cross with funds provided by Germany would strengthen the population’s ability to face natural catastrophes effectively, the Embassy said.

This would be in addition to work carried out by the German Red Cross in the post-tsunami period, the Embassy said.

"Early warning and disaster preparedness are vital factors for tsunami-endangered regions like the Eastern District," German Ambassador Jens Plotner said.

"We must do everything to ensure that public awareness and preparedness are developed. Never again should lack of these vital factors lead to the tragic loss of so many