Tsunami Relief PR

ITTPO is an independent, non-profit, and a federal tax exempt (501 (c) (3)) organization in the USA and an approved NGO in Sri Lanka.

ITTPO and VanniTech Participate in Tsunami Relief Efforts

San Jose, CA, USA. – January 10, 2005 – International Tamil Technical Professionals’ Organization (ITTPO), parent organization of VanniTech, and a non-profit charitable organization based in San Jose, California, with heavy heart, today announced the establishment of a special Tsunami Relief Fund. The purpose of the fund is two-fold: provide immediate humanitarian assistance, and assistance utilizing technology for the long-term rehabilitation.

ITTPO and VanniTech are deeply saddened by the tremendous loss of lives, and property due to the worst natural disaster the world had seen in 40 years. We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones, and promise to lend a helping hand in this time of need.

As a first step, on December 31^st 2004, ITTPO disbursed SLR 200,000 through VanniTech for the immediate assistance of the relief effort. Also, VanniTech students and staff personally took part and continue to take part in the relief effort. ITTPO Board will evaluate the situation locally, and according to the need, will disburse more money from this special fund towards the relief effort.

In the second phase, ITTPO would fund VanniTech in providing technical assistance to local and foreign aid agencies. The assistance would include computerizing some of the relief coordination work. ITTPO may hire software engineers, or utilize the ones already working in TechShack - Employment Incubation Center of VanniTech, and invite relief agencies to utilize the technology so that they can effectively and efficiently manage the information related to the tsunami relief work.

“If the information can be shared effectively on a timely manner, it would alleviate the suffering of the tsunami victims” said Dr. Ratnam Sooriyakumaran, chairman of ITTPO, “technology can immensely help in coordinating the immediate needs and the rehabilitation work that follows.”

VanniTech would also make its software available to any relief agencies in other affected countries, upon request.

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About ITTPO

ITTPO is an independent, non-profit (501 (c) (3)) organization in the USA, and an approved Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in Sri Lanka. ITTPO based in the Silicon Valley region of California, was founded in September 2002 to bring technical professionals and their supporters around the world under one organization and offer their technical expertise for the development of Northeast Sri Lanka. ITTPO is funded by members of the Sri Lankan Expatriate community around the world and other individual well-wishers and organizations. Additional information about ITTPO can be found at www.ittpo.org.

About VanniTech

VanniTech is an Advanced Technological Institute, and a registered Non Governmental Organization (NGO) based in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka. The objective of VanniTech is to generate high-tech employment in the war torn North-East Sri Lanka and prepare the people in the region to compete in the global market. To meet this objective, VanniTech is offering university-level courses in software development, electronics, and computer communications in English medium. VanniTech instructors include local professionals with degrees from highly reputable universities around the world and international volunteers. VanniTech is founded and funded by ITTPO. Additional information about VanniTech can be found at www.vannitech.org and www.ittpo.org.