Venerable Buddhiyagama Thera says the impact of the coronavirus has extended far beyond those who have become infected. Entire communities now face emergency lockdowns, and in Sri Lanka alone, hundreds of people have been quarantined in an attempt to prevent further spread of the disease.

With such a staggering number of people in quarantine and more becoming sick, there is a need for quick action. Everything from basics, like food to emergency financial assistance to pay for things like rent is urgently needed as people experience lost wages due to illness or quarantine restrictions. For those who are already sick, paying medical bills has become an additional burden.

Venerable Buddhiyagama Thera steps up to embrace an entire community in the Matara District with the initial donation given by Dr Walter Jayasinghe, the founder of the Sri Lanka Foundation to lend a helping hand starting with the basic food items and also looking in to assisting with other crisis areas.

The past two months every morning he has worked diligently to visit at least 100 families in Matara not only to distribute the basic food items but also to assist with other financial needs that families are facing today. During the Pandemic he still continues his project committed to carry out the well being of pregnant mothers, he says which requires immediate attention and is a growing crisis.

As the crisis grows, so do the negative effects on peoples’ health and their financial wellbeing, but we can all do our part to help those affected. Here’s how making a direct donation to COVID-19 fundraisers can help:

Rev B. Dhammasena Thera

Sampath Bank, Kiribathgoda Branch

Acct: 100550268765