150 years of Humanitarian Action
08/05/2013, Island wide – The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society along with the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross celebrated the birth of Henry Dunant – The founder of the Red Cross on the 8th of May 2013. This year it has been 150 years since the birth of the Red Cross as well.
Special events were organized by all branches island-wide to raise awareness on the importance of this day, and what it stands for the whole humanitarian world at large.
Main Event – Matara
The main event was organized in Matara under the guidance of its Branch Chairman Bharatha Jonikkuhewa along with the members of the branch, volunteers and staff.
President of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Jagath Abeysinghe, Branch Chariman of the Galle Branch Upali Siriwardena, Deputy Director General of SLRCS Sudath Madugalle Head of Delegation of IFRC in Sri Lanka Bob McKerrow, Head of Delegation of ICRC in Sri Lanka Cherine Pollini along with many other dignitaries were present at the occasion.
A march around the city of Matara was organized in order to raise awareness on the activities and the importance of Red Cross.
Meanwhile a mini marathon participated by volunteers and the members of the public were also held.
Ampara
A march and a programme to raise awareness on restoring family links (RFL) were organized by the Ampara branch in order to commemorate World Red Cross Day. Many staff members, volunteers, Governance and other dignitaries from the area took part in the day’s activities.
After completion of “Silent March” and awareness campaign on “Restoring Family Links” the gathering were addressed by the Chairman of SLRCS Ampara branch Sunil Dissanayake.
He explained the importance of the Day and appreciated all the volunteers for their voluntary service with SLRCS Ampara Branch.
Meanwhile the volunteers and staff members of the branch also engaged in a cleaning program with Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha at Arugambay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka.
Jaffna
In order to mark World Red Cross Day 2013, the Jaffna branch organized a mini marathon around the city to raise awareness on Red Cross principles and values. The event was held under the patronage of the President of Jaffna Branch Prof. V. K. Ganeshalingam.
Hambantota
The Hambantota branch organized a blood donation camp with the support of the Lanka Salt Limited. 86 people donated blood during this blood drive.
Colombo
To Commemorate the World Red Cross day the SLRCS Colombo Branch organized a walk on the 09th of May 2013 with the Maharagama Division. There were 70 participants who took part in the walk, which started, from Waththegedara Junction to Vivekarama Temple. A religious ceremony (Bodi Pujava) was then organized in the Vivekarama temple to invoke blessings on the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society.
Meanwhile the Heraliyawala unit in the Homagama Division organized an Art Competition to Commemorate the World Red Cross Day. 36 Children at the age of 6-11 participated in the competition and the subject of the pictures that were drawn were regarding volunteer services.
Kurunegala
The Kurunegala Branch also held a blood donation drive to mark World Red Cross Day. The blood bank of the area supported the society in arranging the drive. Many members of the public took part in donating blood.
Kandy
In order to celebrate 150 years of World Red Cross day Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Kandy branch organized a Mach-Past in the Kandy town with the participation of Kandy branch Youth Wing, Governance, Staff and Volunteers.
During the march past various information, educational and communicational materials were distributed by the youth wing in order to educate the public about the activities of the Red Cross.
In addition to that it branch has conducted meeting for Youth, Volunteers and staff in order to aware importance of the special, Red Cross fundamental principles and preparing for disasters at the Kandy branch main hall.
Kalutara
Meanwhile the Kalutara branch conducted a arms giving programme to mark World Red Cross Day. The almsgiving was organized at the Chamith Chathura Elders home in Wadduwa.
The branch also distributed Hygiene packs, Bed sheets , cloths to these parents. Interim panel chairman M. K. Chandrasiri , committee members, Branch Executive officer, Staff and 10 volunteers of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Kalutara Branch Participated in this event.
Moneragala
To commemorate the World Red Cross Day we were able to establish the “Red Cross YATHARTHA” welfare society at Wellawaya division including 4 GN divisions name Ethiliwewa, Weherayaya, Thelulla and Siripura. After commemorate the Red Cross founder Sir Henry Dunant, the branch Hon. Chairman has delivered the welcome speech and the Hon. Secretary of the branch made aware the public not only about the RC history and fundamental principles but also what the Sri Lanka RC done past time to commemorate of this special day.
More than 125 people were there to salute the RC founder on behalf of members and volunteers who are working with the branch.
After the dissemination ended the Hon. Treasurer of the branch delivered the speech describing about the constitution of new society, finance procedures and other conditions of the welfare society. This proposal also forwarded by the members of Ethiliwewa unit orally so that we were able to establish this with constitutional base on the WRCD as per the memorandum. Last month we have appointed the leaders for this society to recruit the members after arranging the meeting.
