The Sri Lankan community in Maryland, United States, has strengthened the Government of Sri Lanka’s post-disaster recovery efforts by making an additional contribution of Rs. 5.2 million to the Rebuild Sri Lanka Fund, established to assist communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
The initiative was carried out under the guidance of Venerable Katugasthota Uparathana Nayaka Thero, Chief Judicial Sanghanayake of the United States and Incumbent of the Maryland International Buddhist Temple, who also serves as Chairman of the Uparathana Paramita Foundation. Organisers said the contribution reflects the continued commitment of the Sri Lankan diaspora to national recovery efforts during times of crisis.
Addressing the gathering, Venerable Uparathana Thero expressed gratitude to all donors and volunteers who supported the initiative, noting that the response demonstrated a strong bond between Sri Lankans living overseas and their compatriots at home. He said such collective action was vital in helping affected families rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
Ambassador Samarasinghe, speaking at the event, thanked the Maryland-based Sri Lankan community for its consistent assistance during national emergencies and said the Government deeply appreciated the unified effort of the Maryland International Buddhist Temple and community organisations working towards a shared humanitarian goal. He added that contributions from overseas Sri Lankans played a significant role in complementing state-led relief and reconstruction programmes.
The Ambassador also recalled the decades-long social and community service rendered by Venerable Katugasthota Uparathana Nayaka Thero in the United States, describing him as an unofficial ambassador who has earned the trust and respect of the Sri Lankan community through his religious, cultural and welfare initiatives.
The event was attended by Deputy Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States, Maduka Wickramarachchi, along with representatives of Sri Lankan organisations and associations based in Maryland, who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting ongoing recovery and development efforts in Sri Lanka.
