Message from the Herath Foundation (Sri Lanka)

Dear all,
It is an honor to send Meguro UNESCO this congratulatory message at the beginning of their charity concert to raise funds for Tsunami victims in South Asia. We wish you all the best.
I have known Meguro UNESCO since late 1980s when I was studying in Tokyo. I remember how helpful Meguro UNESCO was for international students at that time. While in Japan, I attended several of their activities. It is admirable to observe many activities they conduct each year for the betterment of the society.
Meguro UNESCO has had a very long relationship with the Herath Foundation. Since 1989, Meguro UNESCO has offered scholarships annually to students from Sri Lanka. So far, over 22 students have received Meguro UNESCO scholarships. We deeply appreciate your support of them.
In addition, Meguro UNESCO also positively responded to the Herath Foundation's request to help Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka. With the help received we managed to provide immediate relief assistance soon after the Tsunami. That helped to reduce the suffering of the people affected by this natural disaster. Also, we provided school supplies and pledged scholarships to students in the hardest-hit areas. We will continue to provide rehabilitation and assistance, rebuilding houses, schools, hospitals and places of worship. Let me take this opportunity to thank Meguro UNESCO for their continued support.
Currently the Herath Foundation is engaged in rebuilding the Peelegoda Sumanajothi Primary School in Galle, Sri Lanka which was completely destroyed by the Tsunami. The school, accommodating up to 200 students, will consist of 14 classrooms, two computer rooms, an auditorium, a gymnasium, a library, offices and a playground. The government's estimated project cost for rebuilding this school, including equipment, is 51.7 million Sri Lankan Rupees. This is the approximate equivalent of $ 517,000 USD.
The charity concert today is another noble effort to help Tsunami victims. I sincerely wish you great success.
And for all of you, I wish excellent health, joy and happiness. 　　　Susantha Herath, PhD
President, Herath Foundation
Professor, St. Cloud State University, USA
Photos Prof. Herath sent us: one taken before the disaster, the other showing the destruction caused by the tsunami