A letter from a desperate friend

We are all by now, well aware of the disaster that has affected so many in South East Asia. It was only a matter of four months ago that I was in the enchanting Sri Lankan city of Galle commentating on the first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka. For those of you who saw my videos during that broadcast, you will have got a snap-shot of life in that region.

Sadly, not much life is still in existence.

During my time in Sri Lanka I met many warm and wonderful people. I can't help but wonder whether these people are still alive.

The following is a letter written to me from my very good friend and well-known cricket commentator, Ranjit Fernando. He is one of the nicest people I know.

It was written some 5 days after the shocking event of Boxing Day and he bares his soul as he attempts to put things in perspective so that we can understand from many miles away.

We never will.

Dear Mike,

Sincere thanks for your ongoing concern and support in our time of need. While we must thank God that he has spared us, the devastation has to be seen to be believed.

Some of the stories will fit into the best fiction books, but are unfortunately true.

Villages have been wiped out, no exaggeration, no-one left. Some children are roaming the streets without anyone. Some families have just one member left, losing the rest. The escape stories are hair raising. It was no respector of persons, you just had to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The national players have had their share of drama. Sanath Jayasuriya's mother was pulled out of the water. So was Upul Chandana's but the person who pulled her out was swept away and never found. Imagine how she would take that. Jehan Mubarak (he was a national swimmer) was on the top of a roof when the wave struck. He was on holiday by the seaside in a holiday home and had a narrow escape. He had been able to take close range pictures. These are first hand stories and he was another lucky to make it.

Aid has poured in and the world reaction has certainly been magnanimous but I dont think anything will be too much or too little.

Sri Lanka Cricket has put its shoulder to the wheel with the present and past players in the forefront. They have set up three camps to meet the initial basic needs of food and shelter. As the psychological problems are monumental we are getting down some trauma counsellors to help but locals need to be trained. Cricket coaches, present and former umpires and ex players are being used in this regard.

The people in the camps are to be provided homes and relocated to rebuild their lives and live in some form of dignity. This is one of Sri Lanka Cricket's goals.

The players are making the plea worldwide and all the funds from the charity games they play will go towards helping the needy, of which there are millions.

Please show this mail to whoever could help us.

We are desperate.

Yours sincerely,
RANJIT FERNANDO

If you can help change the life of those sadly affected, please do. Here are two links:

Unicef
Red Cross