Sri Lanka Flood Relief - 2017 - Rice Distribution

50,000 kg Rice Distribution Program

10,000 families are benefited through 10 Sri Lankan Buddhist Temples with each families getting 5kg rice along with a Dhamma advice.

Our team in Sri Lanka coordinated the first phase of the Rice Distribution event. They could conclude the distribution of 4000 rice bags on the last Sunday only, as there were many issues and challenges on their way. Rains continuously affected their effort and the temples could not be reached due to difficult road conditions and the temples’ location. The supplier used one container to transport all the 4000 rice bags and we had to unload them in a safer place first as the temples did not have a big enough storage to save rice from getting wet. Hence, we used a trusted devotee’s home to store first and used mini trucks to reach different temples and communities depending on the situation. Our team was very sincere and dedicated. They followed our clear instructions in writing and they coordinated the event with monks from different temples. In fact, some temples did not have 1000 people in their assembly. Therefore, we decided to reach other close by temples and communities which have been already affected by the flood. It worked well but was tedious. Our team of volunteers had to travel several days and their transportation, food and lodging and mini trucks were extra expenses plus the hurriedly arranged printing. Everyone was very happy at the end. All the temples, monks, and their devotees were very cooperative throughout the program. They thanked all the sponsors for helping the poor community.

Thank you, everyone, for all your support. Without your generous support financially, and the dedication of our DhammaUS team in Sri Lanka, this would not have been possible at all. We wish to thank all those who were helpful in many different ways. Thank you so much!

May all the sentient beings be well and happy and healthy!

May no harm come to them! May the Noble Triple Gem bless to all of them!

Here are some of the updates so far from the first phase.

These are the temples that took initiative to distribute rice bags to their flood affected communities:

S.No.	Monk in Charge	Temple	Address	Contact
1	Ven. Walakada Mahinda Thero	Sri Gangaramaya	Kosgulana. Phone:	0779193370
2	Ven. Delgoda Sobhita Thero	Gangaramaya	Kakavita Pitigala Kanda Matugama	077129097 / 045-3600903
3	Ven. Tissa Thero	Visuddharamaya,	Muwagama.	045-2222035
4	Ven. Nidahasgama Kalyanatissa Thero	Meepama Gallen Viharaya,	Meepagama.	07188268274
5	Ven. Paragoda Samitatissa Th7ero	Sri Maha Viharaya	Molkawa	0776438840
6	Ven. Maggona Wimaladhamma Thero	Gangaramaya,	Kithugalwila, Ihalawelgama.	0779545154
7	Ven. Ilukpotha Piyananda Thero	Mahamewna Viharaya	Galahiriya Molkawa	0775495519
8	Ven. Baduraliya Dayawansa Thero	Angammana Raja Maha Viharaya	Angammana	0714273873
9	Ven. Paragoda Nabhitha Thero.	Sri Suwa Sudarshanaramaya	Bulathsinhala, Paragoda	034-3444827

Here is the Dhamma Advice that was distributed along with the Rice bags:

Kimdada Sutta - SN

A devatā:

“Giving what does one give strength?
Giving what does one give beauty?
Giving what does one give ease?
Giving what does one give sight?
Who is the giver of all?
Being asked, please explain to me.”

The Blessed One:

“Giving food, one gives strength;
Giving clothes, one gives beauty;
Giving a vehicle, one gives ease;
Giving a lamp, one gives sight.

“The one who gives a residence
Is the giver of all.
But the one who teaches the Dhamma
Is the giver of the Deathless.”

Here are some of the Photo Updates of the first phase: