TN CM's plea for contributions to Lankan Tamils

Chennai, Oct 27 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today appealed to the people of the state to contribute their mite to the suffering ethnic Tamils in Sri Lanka.

In an appeal here this evening, Mr Karunanidhi said it had been decided on behalf of Tamil Nadu Government to meet the immediate need of the Lankan Tamils for food, clothes and medicines.

Arrangements have been made to distribute the relief materials in Sri Lanka through the International Red Cross, the United Nations and the Federal Government there, Mr Karunanidhi said and appealed to the people of the state to come forward in a big way to help their suffering brethren in Sri Lanka.

He said while food and clothes could be handed over to respective district collectors, monetary contributions can be made by way of cheques or demand drafts drawn in favour of 'SriLankan Tamils Relief Fund' and sent to Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, Secretariat, Chennai-600 009.

The Chief Minister said thousands of innocent Tamils in Sri Lanka were affected by the civil war losing their livelihood and belongings.

It was the duty of the Indians, particularly, those in Tamil Nadu to lend a helping hand to them.

He said it came as a great relief that the UPA Government at the Centre had arranged to send 800 tonnes of relief materials to the Lankan Tamils at the request of the Tamil Nadu Government.

Mr Karunanidhi said the appeal for help followed yesterday's discussions he held with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and the resolutions passed at the all-party meet held on October 14.

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