Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird expressed sadness over the landslide in Koslanda Sri Lanka and offered condolences . His message was relayed on twitter, and re-tweeted by another Senior Canadian Minister, Jason Kenney.
On Friday, Deepak Obhrai parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs addressed the tragedy in parliament in Ottawa.
“On Wednesday a devastating landslide in Sri Lanka destroyed over 63 homes, damaging over 140, with 192 people missing and at least 15 confirmed dead. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to all of those affected by this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time,” Obhrai said.
Obhrai represented Canada at the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in Sri Lanka last year when Prime Minister Stephen Harper refused to attend the meeting citing the host country’s human rights record.
Saddened by the landslide in Koslanda, #SriLanka. My heartfelt condolences to all those affected
— John Baird (@HonJohnBaird) October 29, 2014
Meanwhile, Sri Lankans Without Borders (SLWB) launched an appeal in Canada to aid the victims.
“There is need for new, unused or mildly used clothes and other materials, including comforters, blankets, sleeping bags, sweaters, sweatshirts, and other warm clothes, especially for women and children. There are several drop-off locations in the Greater Toronto Area that will remain open this weekend,” a press release stated, naming three locations, Elite Colombo Kitchens, 2258 Birchmount Road, Scarborough, Ontario M1T 2M2, 32 Wyndcliff Crescent, North York, Ontario M4A 2K1, 122 Terrosa Road, Markham, Ontario L3S 2P9 and 10 Warren Bradley Street, Markham, Ontario L6C 2W5.
