Project Funding Request From Dr. Jagath Premachandra
An Appeal for Help to a Worthy Cause

Today as Sri Lankans all of us are doing something to help some of our fellow Sri Lankans who have been deeply affected by the natural disaster that took place on 26th December 2004. The reality is that we all are affected and we all must do something effective and quickly with foresight in responding to the needs of the time.

Staff and students of the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa has embarked on a course of providing relief and support by way of providing means of sanitation and cleaning to critical places such as health institutions, hospitals and camps where significant number of sick and displaced persons presently reside.

We selected this as a course of action after seeing and hearing the difficulties and knowing that this is an area where we have an advantage in providing relief in preventing secondary infections and maintaining hygiene with the application of knowledge that we possess.

It is important that we develop ways of reaching out to the needy in a meaningful way by translating our knowledge into action. This is not simply buying and delivering. This is processing, packaging and delivering at a lower initial cost demonstrating the need for internal manufacturing and logistical capability in disaster management.

The results from the past few days where student groups have worked hard and delivered these disinfection and detergent products have indicated that the service has been appreciated.

Students have formulated them when delivering according to the need - to Balpitiya to Galle (Jan 01st), Dickwella to Galle (Jan 02nd) and Tangalle, Hambantota and Tissamaharamaya (Jan 03rd).

In addition, products were collected by the National Institute of Health Science to distribute from Kalutara to Hikkaduwa.

The students have really felt the need and worked hard to ensure that the supplies were delivered effectively by coordinating with MOH of the areas and medical personnel prior to departure. Only in one instance was they were told that these particular supplies were not needed as they have had access to similar materials. In all the other cases the situation had been different suggesting that this aspect had not being a priority in the initial phase of providing relief. Even though we were initially thinking that this exercise could be sufficient for an initial few days the information flowing to us as a result of radio announcements and calls from affected areas indicate that this should be extended. As such we will be supplying to health service establishments in Batticalo, Ampara and even Trincomalee.

However, in these areas students will not travel but will deliver through few established supply mechanisms but all communications will be carried out by the department to ensure correct receipt.

More than 4000 liters of APD and CD had so far been delivered plus 120 kg of chlorine powder. We considered above average consumption figures for a typical establishment when planning delivery quantities. This is an activity where some financial outlay is required. All deliveries are given free.

The initial production and delivery phase was supported by collections from staff and students. The general public helped by filling the tills carried by students when passing the University of Moratuwa. The containers (from 1 liter to 32 liters) were all donations made by a large number of organizations both public and private who responded generously to the appeal made over the radio.

All collections and the completion of products were effectively carried out by students. As we wish to continue supplying these formulations and products free to other areas plus resupplying to those who need more, we wish to solicit your assistance in sharing the cost burden as it is difficult for us to sustain the process for an extended phase.

We feel that your contribution can make a difference as we believe that the supplies are making a difference for the recipients. Our emphasis here is in preventing a problem - an aspect we all should understand but may not give priority.

We sincerely hope that this request for help in any manner will be considered favourably. If you wish to extend your support, we appeal you to make a donation by way of sending a cheque payable to 'Chemical Engineering Society' (Acc No 16500255505) Peoples Bank, Katubedda. Your contribution will be acknowledged and will make a difference by prevention. Thank you very much.

Staff and students of the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering
University of Moratuwa