Sligo’s Sri Lankan community expresses gratitude for local support in wake of devastating floods and landslides

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The Sri Lankan community in Sligo has extend its heartfelt thanks to the people of Sligo and the surrounding areas for their incredible generosity and support following the recent devastating floods and landslides in Sri Lanka.

In response to this humanitarian crisis, the Sri Lankan community in Sligo came together to collect donations to support families who have lost homes, belongings, and access to basic necessities.

Speaking to the Sligo Champion Sanka Dissanayake and Dilani Kalugalage thanked the Sligo community for the support and generosity shown to them following the floods that resulted in the deaths of over 600 people and impacted over two million Sri Lankans.

“Thanks to the kindness and compassion of the local community we have successfully collected over 300kg of donated goods, including clothing and essential daily items, which will be sent to those most affected. We would like to offer special thanks to Our Lady of Mercy Primary School, St. Anne’s Church, Sligo Food Bank, and the many individuals, families, and organisations who contributed so generously. Your support played a vital role in making this initiative possible.

“This effort truly reflects the strong community spirit in Sligo and beyond. We are deeply grateful not only to those within the county but also to supporters from outside Sligo who stood with us during this time of need. On behalf of the Sri Lankan community, we would like to sincerely thank everyone who donated, volunteered, and helped spread the word. Your kindness has brought hope and relief to people facing extremely difficult circumstances.”

Sanka explained the fundraising efforts began soon after the disastrous events in Sri Lanka and the response from the people of Sligo was immediate.

“Within a very short period of time, we successfully completed a donation campaign to support the people of Sri Lanka who are suffering due to floods and landslides. From this beautiful country, Ireland, we were able to collect over 300kg of essential goods. This is the moment for us to say thank you on behalf of our whole Sri Lankan nation. Every single contribution, every prayer, and every kind thought truly meant so much to my mother country, Sri Lanka.

"I would like to give my special thanks to, Principle Ms Flannery, Deputy Principle Ms Bourke and all the teachers, parents, and the lovely children of Mercy Primary School, Sligo; OCAI (Order of Christian Initiation Adults) Sligo group; Radisson Blu Hotel Sligo; Venarable Kashyapa Thero from International Buddhist temple, London; Pakiza Asian Shop, Sligo; Sligo Food and Furniture Bank; Suraji, Antran, Asanga, Dinushika, and Lakmal – thank you for always standing with me and supporting our mother country.”

Sanka also thanked Claudia from KG Photography and “Our lovely Sligo community.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.