Date:08/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/01/08/stories/2005010800801700.htm

Back Coast Guard vessel to carry relief supplies to Lanka

Our Bureau

Kochi , Jan. 7

COAST Guard vessel ICGS Samar is to leave from Kochi port for Sri Lanka to distribute relief items in the tsunami hit areas in that country.

The relief materials, worth Rs 5 lakh, have been contributed by members of the Confederation of the Indian Industry (CII).

It includes kerosene stoves, kitchen utensils, school bags and picture books for children.

The ship is also carrying other relief materials such as food and medicines to Colombo, a press release issued by the CII here said.

A few doctors had also boarded the ship and will extend their assistance in the relief camps at Colombo.

The ship will be in Colombo for two days and return after assessing the requirements at the camps.

The relief materials collected would be handed over to the Sri Lankan Government, on the ship's arrival at Colombo.

The ship, manned by a 90-member crew headed by Captain R.M. Sharma, is expected to set sail on Saturday.

The release pointed out that there was an urgent need for electric torches, tents, other household items, etc in Sri Lanka and the CII urged the corporates in Kerala to contribute generously for this noble cause.

Meanwhile, the employees of FACT contributed one day's salary to help rehabilitation of those affected by the tsunami. Of the total amount of Rs 18 lakh, half was given to the Prime Minister's national relief fund and the other half to the Kerala Chief Minister's relief fund.

Besides, the FACT had deputed medical team with medicines and ambulance to the affected coastal areas in Ernakulam district.

FACT is also extending assistance to the rehabilitation efforts by providing service of the company's skilled personnel.