CHILDREN who lost their families in the tsunami that destroyed communities in Sri Lanka are to receive long-term support and help from a new group.

The KASTDA Fund - the Kent Association for Sri Lankan Tsunami Daruwo - is dedicated to helping orphans throughout the stricken country.

The volunteer group chose the Sri Lankan word for ‘sons and daughters’ - Daruwo - as part of their name to create a high profile focus on the children who will need assistance for many years.

The KASTDA Fund is based at the centre at Canterbury Road, Westbrook, which was the main Thanet base for the collection and dispatch of relief aid that poured in from well-wishers following the Boxing Day tragedy in south east Asia.

More than 22 tonnes of relief aid and over £2,500 in cash was donated and sent directly to the country through the Sri Lanka High Commission in London and other relief agencies.

Meththa Methananda, whose family co-ordinated the immediate relief effort in Thanet, said: “Setting up the KASTDA Fund was the next logical step. So many people were kind and generous with donations and gifts; many of them wanted to do more, to keep the momentum going.

“So many children have been orphaned in Sri Lanka and the Fund will work to make sure they have long term proper social welfare, education and healthcare.

“The children need so much care and attention. Many are mentally scarred by what they saw as their brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, and other family members were killed or simply swept away by the tidal waves.

“Some are so psychologically affected by the terror of the water that they refuse to drink it or wash with it.”

The Fund plan to establish close links with up to four orphanages in Sri Lanka and will work with staff and other agencies to help the ‘daruwo’ of the tsunami. Members hope to travel to Sri Lanka to work directly with the children.

A range of fund raising events are being planned throughout this year.

The KASTDU Fund held its inaugural meeting on Sunday, January 30. It has elected Dr Chris Perera as president, Jane King as secretary, Senarath Iddawela as assistant secretary, and Dr Manoj Senarathne as treasurer. Committee members include representatives from the Thanet, Canterbury, Herne Bay, Deal and Dover areas.

Patrons have been invited to join the Fund, which is seeking charitable status.

* Donations can be made to the KASTDA Fund via the Medical Health Clinic at 75 Canterbury Road, Westbrook, Kent.

* Volunteers are welcomed to join the group.

* For further information, telephone 01843 228828.