Short description and history of Friends of Sri Lanka

Our project has been conceived, so that over an extended period of time and on a voluntary basis, people wishing to do so can help the poorest and to some extent exploited members of society- the orphans. Without wishing to spread any horror stories, we would point out that several knowledgable sources refer to the abuse of orphans through cheap labour. In this respect, it is a two edged sword when some parties call for orphans to be placed with families and not in orphanages.


Management board:
Chairman: Reiner Wilke
Representative: Christiane Wilke
Treasurer: Detlef Jessnitz
Public relations / recordings: Patrick Wilke


The history of the Friends of Sri Lanka project:
On 27.12.2004 instead of the holiday we had planned, (flights had been cancelled because of the tsunami) we flew to Sri Lanka. We wanted to find out if there was any way we could help. As we have friends and acquaintances inland near the town of Maho, we were able to get a picture of the situation without getting in the way of the rescue services. In view of the continuing chaos, one can't really speak of being able to get an idea of what will or wont be needed in the long run. What is clear is that co-ordination and long term commitment are at least as important as continued donations.
Right at the beginning of January, we were able to persuade reigning olympic champion Heike Kemmer to take on the role of patroness of Friends of Sri Lanka.

Many more sponsors have joined us:
- E-Neukauf Winsen, Zeichen Chip- Winsen, Rumpelstilzchen Winsen and many more businesses are helping with donations,personal intervention, ideas and organisation.
- The community of Winsen Aller has taken on a critical examinations of our donation account.
- The Ernestinum grammar school, the Holty grammar school, the secondary school in Burgstrasse Celle, the 1st Hanover military band, 6 british military schools in the Celle Fallingbostel area, the Winsen local history society, the blues-rock band "Stars n Stripes" and many many more are collecting donations through special events, charity concerts and from friends and acquaintances for the orphans of Sri Lanka.

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