2016 – 12th Tsunami Memorial Reception at Garden Court Chambers
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.
Acknowledgements
Harendra de Silva QC the Patron of the Sri Lankan Lawyers Tsunami Charity for his constant support and encouragement.
Wasantha Tennakoon the General Secretary of the Association of Sri Lankan Lawyers for the production of this brochure and participation in the work of this committee since 2004.
Upali Jayatilaka for years of unconditional support for the work of the Tsunami Committee.
Emalka Hapuarachchi the artist for generously donating the painting ‘Arcasia’ for the 12th Tsunami Memorial Reception.
James York for arranging the donation of the painting.
The Tsunami Committee: Fritz Kodagoda, Ajantha Tennakoon, Selvanayagam Sathananthan, Wasantha Tennakoon, Sam Methuan, James York, Abul Hassan, Harsha Rupasinghe, Manoj Rupasinghe, Shaun Neville, Ganan Siva, Janaka Siriwardene, Aziz Chelliah and for all past members of the Tsunami Committee. It is only through their voluntary participation over many years has this annual event been possible.
To all the volunteers tonight.
To all those solicitors, chambers and companies that have kindly advertised in this brochure.
And all of you who are here tonight and those who are here in spirit for your support at the 12th Tsunami Memorial Reception. Their actions demonstrate how Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and Burghers can work in unity for reconciliation and social justice.
And finally gratitude to our dear friend Terence Costa for the years of support from the inception of this Tsunami Charity. RIP.
Lalith de Kauwe.
Garden Court Chambers
London
18th November 2016.
