Ref. 75686-30TSUNAMI APPEAL: A TOP Sri Lankan official has said he is "deeply touched" by Advertiser readers who have contributed to the tsunami relief effort.

The High Commissioner for Sri Lanka, Faisz Musthapha, paid a visit to Wroughton Airfield where Swindonians have been queueing up to donate clothes and tinned food to survivors of the Boxing Day tragedy.

Mr Musthapha insisted on taking time out of his busy schedule to thank a Swindon GP who launched an appeal through the Adver.

In the wake of the disaster, Sri Lankan-born Dr Kandy Kandiah appealed for cheque donations to be sent to our offices so we could forward them to the High Commission to help Sri Lankan survivors.

Today, the total stands at more than £2,500.

Mr Musthapha said: "The tragedy has touched the hearts of almost everyone in the world.

"It has been spontaneous and I can see that just by visiting this hangar and seeing the many boxes.

"The Evening Advertiser appeal is fantastic too. I am overwhelmed by what I see."

As aid starts to get through to the areas most affected, the Sri Lankan government is beginning to look at rebuilding homes and businesses swamped by the killer waves.

"Although Sri Lanka is still short of shelter and things such as water purification tablets, what we are especially short of now is hard cash," said Mr Musthapha.

"We are entering the next stage of the humanitarian operation. Cash allows us to be flexible.

"We are beginning to look in the medium to long term."

Dr Kandiah, who has relatives in Sri Lanka, said: "Evening Advertiser readers have been brilliant.

"People in Sri Lanka never thought it would happen to them. Readers have given them hope."

Wroughton businessman Manolito Chando, who has co-ordinated the transformation of the hangar into an aid collection point, added that it was an honour to meet the official.

He said: "It's a wonderful testimony to the people of Swindon that the highest UK-based person in the Sri Lankan government has decided to visit us.

"Every time I come to the hangar I get emotional."

Eight-year-old Jack Goss, of Chiseldon, was with mum Claire Dixon. He said: "I just want to help other children."

Kevin Shoesmith