In December 2004 I returned to Sri Lanka from Los Angeles, by chance on the same day the tsunami struck with instant devastation. While inland Ratnapura was untouched, the eastern coastal region lost all of its seaside villages, literally washed away, as it lay directly in the path of the tsunami.

Viewing the devastation first hand, I was compelled to help.  After surveying some of the hardest hit, remote locations I "adopted" 1,059 families from the neediest comprising Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim on an equal basis of need. Through the generous help of friends in the US and Europe, we raised over $20,000 enabling us to purchase tons of supplies including mosquito nets, sleeping gear, toiletries for personal hygiene, kitchen equipment and a large variety of food stuff and school and art supplies. We trucked it all to the most remotely affected areas where it was ferried by tractor to each village.  We are continuing to assist those still in need and will continue to do so until all funds have been utilized.