This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Tsunami anniversary approaches
19/12/2005
Scotland has contributed £20 million of the £400 million which was donated following last Christmas's tsunami disaster.
The proportion per head of population makes Scotland the most generous area of the UK.
The Executive is funding reconstruction projects in Sri Lanka and Indonesia through its International Development Fund.
Patricia Ferguson, Minister with responsibility for International Development, praised the Scottish public's response to the disaster and the work being done to help the victims.
Ms Ferguson said:
"Next week is the first anniversary of the Tsunami, a natural disaster that claimed the lives of so many and left thousands more suffering in horrendous conditions.
"It is important we continue to offer friendship and support to those affected by the tsunami as they continue to deal with the aftermath of a major disaster.
"Scottish based NGOs are working tirelessly to assist the reconstruction effort. They are offering invaluable practical support to local communities coming to terms with unimaginable hardship"
"Scottish organisations have developed especially strong links with Sri Lanka and Indonesia, and I am pleased that we are able to support these organisations and their valuable projects."
The tsunami affected region is one the geographic priorities of the Executive's international development policy.