12th TSunami Reception 2016
The 12th consecutive year the ASLLUK TSUNAMI APPEAL spearheaded by Criminal Defence Barrister Lalith de Kauwe, has been successfully conducted at Garden Court Chambers and raised funds to assist those in need in Sri Lanka.
Whilst continuing to care for the welfare of the victims of the 2014 Tsunami, the charity has widened its scope to help other vulnerable groups. The Reception this year held on 18 November 2016 raised £1200 from the auction, by the persuasive Solicitor Sumal Fernando of a panting entitled “Arcasia” painted and donated by Sri Lankan Artist Emalka Hapuarachchi.
This year’s theme was “Helping the Children who are suffering from oral cancer in Sri Lanka”. The President of ASLLUK Harendra de Silva QC in his message said “This year we are raising funds for children who are suffering from oral cancer and this is a very worthy cause and deserving of our full support”. Wasantha Tennakoon, the General Secretary of ASLLUK opened proceedings welcoming everyone who gathered for the evening.
The Chairman of the Tsunami Charity, Lalith de Kauwe, in his speech said: Oral cancer is a dreadful condition that is affecting many children in Sri Lanka. However, it doesn’t have to be life-threatening; when diagnosed and treated early, the survival rate is good. This is our 12th successive year in remembrance of the Tsunami. It was the worst catastrophe in living memory in Sri Lanka. We meet in memory of the tragedy 12 years ago on the 26th December, when 40,000 lives were lost and unimaginable horror unleashed on thousands of people. The Tsunami opened the eyes, the ears and the hearts of man. Since then each year we have done our best to support the victims of tragedy in Sri Lanka irrespective of their race or creed. Last year we raised £10,000 to purchase lifesaving equipment for the Anuradhapura Hospital to alleviate chronic kidney failure. The chairman urged people to come to the aid of children in Sri Lanka who can be saved from cancer saying there will be much rejoicing if we can save the life of even one child.
This was followed by the Key note speech by Dr. Hong Wan PhD on “In vitro Study of the Oncogenes in Oral Cancer”. The speech was well received by the audience. A special tribute paid to Dr Hong Wan presenting her the auctioned painting for spending her valuable time on educating us.
The event was graced by numerous Solicitors and Barristers and their families who were treated to a delightful Sri Lankan Dinner.