MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Billson
More than 100,000 people in tsunami affected areas in Sri Lanka will receive
up to 20 litres of high quality drinking water each day thanks to Australian
made water purification units, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs
and Trade, Mr Bruce Billson, said today.
'The Sydney based, non-profit charity organisation, The Skyjuice
Foundation, has donated 55 water purification units to international non
government organisations in Sri Lanka, including Red Cross Germany, World
Vision International and Oxfam Great Britain,' Mr Billson
said.
'The donation of these units, which has been facilitated by the
Australian High Commission in Colombo, is helping to provide Sri Lankans with
crucial drinking water after the devastation of the Boxing Day tsunami.
'The High Commission has done an excellent job in facilitating Skyjuice
contact with international NGOs by hosting an open day in Sri Lanka to
promote the units, which are now being used extensively throughout affected
areas,' Mr Billson said.
'Last week in Sri Lanka, the Foundation agreed on an important MOU with
Oxfam Great Britain who have requested a further 200 units as part of the
Skyjuice Cleanup Cleanwater Tsunami Project in Sri Lanka.
'Skyjuice has adapted micro-fibre technology into small portable units
to filter out the smallest of bacteria and has a wide application for cleansing
water from lagoons and other fresh water sources,' Mr Billson
said.
'I would like to congratulate chairman and founder Mr Rhett Butler on
his outstanding contribution to humanitarian services and his tireless work to
help those in need.
'This exceptional project is an important part of Australian Government,
NGO and individual efforts to assist the people of Sri Lanka in recovering from
the tragedy of the tsunami,' Mr Billson said.
In 2005-06, as part of a record overseas aid budget of $2.491 billion, the
Australian Government will contribute more than $29 million in development
assistance to Sri Lanka which includes improving access to health and
education. The Australian Government provided more than $10 million in
emergency tsunami relief to the people of Sri Lanka.
Media inquiries:
Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's office) 0408 680 442