22 January 2005 — Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sri. K.N. Douglas Devananda—the Honourable Minister of Agricultural Marketing Development, Co-operative Development, Hindu Affairs and Minister Assisting Education and Vocational Training—invited Her Holiness Sri Mata Amritanandamayi to Sri Lanka “to bless Sri Lankans of all faiths and races and to bring peace and prosperity in their lives.”
In his letter, he requested Amma to come for four days, specifically to visit the areas of Batticaloa, Ampara, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Hambantota, Galle and Matara.
“We are deeply touched by the great spiritual and humanitarian work undertaken by Your Holiness and by your Ashram to the poor and needy people in many parts of the world,” he wrote.
“Your gesture to dedicate one billion Indian rupees for the welfare of tsunami victims will surely inspire many other organisations to do likewise.”
In response, Amma has already sent Swami Ramakrishnananda, Brahmachari Vinayamrita Chaitanya and three other brahmacharis from the Ashram.
The Honourable Minister appealed to Amma, stating how several thousand Sri Lankans died in the tsunami and several thousand others have been rendered homeless. “The devastation is unparalleled in our known history. The victims need spiritual healing, solace, succour and blessing.”
–Tulasi