Mukesh Ambani Visits Tsunami Affected Areas

[Vishal Gupta 4]

Mukesh Ambani visits Tsunami Affected Areas in Sri Lanka

Commends outstanding work of Red Cross Volunteers Urges Private Sector engagement in long-term rehabilitation.

Mumbai, January 10, 2005

Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of the Foundation for International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies visited the tsunami hit areas in Sri Lanka and met with the afflicted people yesterday. He was deeply moved by the tragic loss of human life and harrowing destruction.

Mr. Ambani went to the tsunami affected areas near Negombo and later had discussions with the staff and volunteers of the Red Cross and Red Crescent working in these areas.

Mr. Ambani was accompanied by Mr. Juan Manuel Suarez Del Toro Rivero, President and Mr.Murli Deora, Vice President of the International Federation for Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva, Switzerland.

"The volunteers and staff of the Red Cross and Red Crescent are carrying out brave and outstanding work under most difficult and tragic circumstances". Mr. Ambani said after his visit.

"Their humanity, dedication and commitment to alleviating the traumatic human suffering of afflicted population is commendable", Mr. Ambani added.

"Across the Indian Ocean rim, livelihoods, infrastructure and markets have been devastated. We must address the long-term consequences of the disaster. The socio-economic recovery from this disaster demands sustained and long-term interventions", he said.

During exchange of views with Sri Lankan authorities including the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Mr. Ambani underlined the importance of engaging the private sector in the medium and long-term recovery and rehabilitation programmes.

Mr.Ambani observed that there is a need to mobilize additional resources to augment the existing efforts of relief and rehabilitation, having had first-hand experiences of natural calamities in the manufacturing locations of Reliance.