MSC Launches Sri Lankan Appeal

The Multicultural Services Centre of WA (MSC) is very concerned about millions of people impacted by the calamitous humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka.

According to the UN, “Sri Lanka is experiencing a multidimensional economic crisis, which is compounded by food insecurity, rising protection concerns and shortages threatening lives and livelihoods.” It and partner agencies have launched a joint Humanitarian Needs and Priorities Plan to aid 1.7 million people worst-hit by the economic crisis. They estimate that nearly 5.7 million citizens require immediate humanitarian assistance, in 25 districts across the country. The 1.7 million targeted are those whose livelihoods, food security and access to health services are most at risk.

“Sri Lanka is among the top ten countries with the highest number of malnourished children and the numbers are expected to rise further. Loss and precariousness of income are exposing them to violence and stress, and increased school absenteeism/dropouts. In addition, more families are soliciting to institutionalize their children in face of aggravating poverty.” “UNICEF requires US$25.3 million to meet critical needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized children and their families by ensuring continued access to essential services and support.”

MSC Chair, Ms Sheila Rajan has “commended the Albanese government for its initial commitment of $50 million to support Sri Lanka and expressed the hope that other assistance will soon follow, given the catastrophic scale of the disaster”.

According to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, it is “Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis in 70 years and has had led to shortages of food, medicine and fuel. "Not only do we want to help the people of Sri Lanka in its time of need, there are also deeper consequences for the region if this crisis continues," she said.

MSC has the licence to collect money and goods, under the Charitable Collections Act 1946 for such purposes. One of MSC’s objects is to undertake initiatives to respond to natural and other disasters and humanitarian causes and so we are very pleased to offer our services”, said Sheila Rajan, MSC’s Chairperson.

Donations can be deposited into

Account Name:  Multicultural Services Centre of WA - Natural Disasters,

BSB: 633000

Account Number: 1606 45594

Reference: Sri Lankan Appeal

Donations of $2 and above are tax deductible and receipts will be issued.” All monies raised will be sent to the Foundation of Goodness, for Relief efforts in Sri Lanka”. https://unconditionalcompassion.org/

“All funds raised will be forwarded to appropriate agencies in Sri Lanka currently involved in providing urgent protection and aid for those forced to flee. Just as we did in the case of several Relief Appeals we organised in recent years, All costs relating to administration, accounting, audit etc. will be borne by MSC. I am very confident that this initiative will be just as successful,” added Ms. Rajan.

Ms Yaso Ponnuthurai, the Convenor of MSC’s Sri Lankan Appeal Committee, said she “was delighted to be associated with this Appeal as she was with other Appeals that MSC had organised to address humanitarian causes and natural disasters, in many countries.” “I am particularly pleased that MSC in keeping with its commitment to diversity and inclusion has chosen a charity that provides support and assistance to Sri Lankans, regardless of their ethnicity, language, religion etc.”, she added.

Ethnic Communities Council of WA President, Mr. Suresh Rajan commended MSC which is a founding member of the Council for leading the way in supporting those struggling to cope with the humanitarian crisis. “I call upon the Prime Minster to substantially increase the funding he has committed to and explore in kind assistance as well,” said Mr. Rajan.

For media enquiries, please contact Ms. Ponnuthurai on 0418275786, or Mr. Rajan on 0403276960.