Colombo Diocese Brings Relief to Flood-Hit Kaluaggala Village

Kaluaggala Village, located in the Colombo District, was recently devastated by severe flooding caused by unprecedented heavy rains. The floods inflicted extensive damage on property, infrastructure, and the livelihoods of the residents. A local Buddhist monastery, home to over 58 monks, including the elderly and infirm, also faced significant destruction, with its kitchen, dining hall, and parts of the residence being washed away.

In response to this crisis, the Colombo Diocese organized a relief program to distribute dry ration packs to the 200 most affected families in the area. A team from the Colombo Diocese traveled to Kaluaggala Village to provide these much-needed supplies. This special occasion was attended by several dignitaries, including His Grace Daniel Mor Themotheos Episcopa of the America and Europe Diocese, His Grace Geervaghese Mor Makariose Episcopa of the Colombo and Kigali Diocese, Rev. Fr. Dr. Daniel, General Secretary of the Believers Eastern Church, and Rev. Fr. Kalyanapriya, Vicar General of Colombo Diocese. Other notable attendees included Mr. HTR Priyantha, D.I.G. of Police, Mr. Asanka, Kosgama Officer Incharge, and several Venerable Theros.

The program began with a Venerable Thero addressing the gathering, detailing the devastating impact of the flood on the community and the church. This was followed by a speech from the D.I.G. of Police, who expressed gratitude to the Colombo Diocese leadership for their timely assistance. Rev. Fr. Kalyanapriya then spoke, expressing sorrow over the severe damage caused by the flood.

His Grace Daniel Mor Themotheos Episcopa led the distribution of the dry ration packs to the affected families, offering a crucial lifeline to those in need. The event concluded with His Grace Daniel Mor Themotheos Episcopa presenting essential utensils, clothing, and other necessities to aid the monks in rebuilding their lives.

The relief distribution brought joy and gratitude to the community, who expressed their heartfelt thanks for the support and assistance received. Samanthi, a local resident, remarked, “The help we got was a bright spot in these tough times. Thanks to the Colombo Diocese and all the leaders for showing us that we are not forgotten.” Another resident, Thilini Senanayake, added, “The flood has been hard, but the relief efforts gave us hope. We thank the Colombo Diocese, the dignitaries, and all the volunteers for their help during this difficult time.”

The flood relief program in Kaluaggala Village was a well-coordinated effort that provided essential support to the affected families. The involvement of religious and community leaders, along with government officials, ensured the successful execution of the relief distribution, demonstrating the strength of community solidarity in times of crisis. This initiative reflects the church’s commitment to serving all in times of need, continuing the legacy of compassion and service championed by Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan of blessed memory.