TN CM sends relief ship with rice to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday flagged off a ship laden with relief material, including 300 MT rice, to Cyclone ‘Ditwah’-ravaged Sri Lanka.

About 300 MT of sugar, 300 MT of lentils, 25 MT of milk powder, medicines, blankets, dhotis, sarees and towels were among the relief materials that were dispatched on Saturday from the Chennai port on behalf of the state Government.

The goods were totally valued at Rs 1.19 crore, an official said, and added that a similar consignment with 150 MT rice, 150 MT sugar and other essentials were sent by a ship from Tuticorin port today.

The state Government had extended a similar gesture when the island nation faced a severe economic crisis in May 2022.

Sri Lanka faced historic flooding when Cyclone Ditwah made a landfall on November 28.

According to the UN relief coordination office, OCHA, 9,98,918 people from all 25 districts were affected and 212 deaths were reported. Over 1.80 lakh people were sheltered in 1,094 relief camps.

The chief minister said the state sent 950 MT of relief material to Lanka as a symbolic gesture to say “we are with you during the difficult times.”

Quoting a couplet from the Tamil masterpiece ‘Thirukkural’ authored by savant Thiruvalluvar on the recognition of one’s duty even in adverse conditions, he said in a post on the social media platform ‘X’ that the relief material was being sent to Sri Lanka, which was facing hardship.

The couplet no. 218, quoted by Stalin, says those who deeply know duty do not neglect giving even in their own unprosperous season.