Thu, Dec 30, 2004
To many in the aviation
and aerospace community, their interest in such lofty pursuits was
sparked by the work a singular talent that wrote long and well
about the things to be seen and done beyond this Earth. We're
pleased to say that this man, Sir Arthur Clarke, who has made his
home in Sri Lanka for many years, has survived the recent
devastation experienced in that part of the world. He has sent a
note out to all his fans and friends, which we have included
below...
"Thank you for your concern about my safety in the wake of last
Sunday’s devastating tidal wave.
I am enormously relieved that my family and household have
escaped the ravages of the sea that suddenly invaded most parts of
coastal Sri Lanka, leaving a trail of destruction.
But many others were not so fortunate. My heart-felt sympathy
goes out to all those who lost family members or friends.
Our staff members are all safe, even though some are badly
shaken and relate harrowing first hand accounts of what happened.
Most of our diving equipment and boats at Hikkaduwa were washed
away. We still don't know the full extent of damage -- it will take
a while for us to take stock as accessing these areas is still
difficult.
We are encouraging concerned friends to contribute to the relief
efforts launched by various national and international
organisations. If you wish to join these efforts, I can recommend
two options:
- Contribute to a Sri Lanka disaster relief fund launched by an
internationally operating humanitarian charity, such as Care or
Oxfam.
- Alternatively, considering supporting Sarvodaya, the largest
development charity in Sri Lanka, which has a 45-year track record
in reaching out and helping the poorest of the poor. Sarvodaya has
mounted a well organised, countrywide relief effort using their
countrywide network of offices and volunteers who work in all parts
of the country, well above ethnic and other divisions. Their
website, www.sarvodaya.lk provides
bank account details for financial donations. They also welcome
contributions in kind -- a list of urgently needed items is found
at
www.sarvodaya.lk/Inside_Page/urgently%20needed.htm
There is much to be done in both short and long terms for Sri
Lanka to raise its head from this blow from the seas. Among other
things, the country needs to improve its technical and
communications facilities so that effective early warnings can help
minimise losses in future disasters."
Arthur Clarke
29 December 2004
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