On Wednesday, December 29, science fiction author and Sri Lanka resident, Arthur C. Clarke posted the following update:

"Thank you for your concern about my safety in the wake of last Sunday’s devastating tidal wave.

"I am enormously relieved that my family and household have escaped the ravages of the sea that suddenly invaded most parts of coastal Sri Lanka, leaving a trail of destruction.

"But many others were not so fortunate. My heart-felt sympathy goes out to all those who lost family members or friends.

"Our staff members are all safe, even though some are badly shaken and relate harrowing first hand accounts of what happened. Most of our diving equipment and boats at Hikkaduwa were washed away. We still don't know the full extent of damage -- it will take a while for us to take stock as accessing these areas is still difficult.

"We are encouraging concerned friends to contribute to the relief efforts launched by various national and international organisations. If you wish to join these efforts, I can recommend two options:

• "Contribute to a Sri Lanka disaster relief fund launched by an internationally operating humanitarian charity, such as Care or Oxfam.
• "Alternatively, considering supporting Sarvodaya, the largest development charity in Sri Lanka, which has a 45-year track record in reaching out and helping the poorest of the poor. Sarvodaya has mounted a well organised, countrywide relief effort using their countrywide network of offices and volunteers who work in all parts of the country, well above ethnic and other divisions. Their website, http://www.sarvodaya.lk/ provides bank account details for financial donations. They also welcome contributions in kind -- a list of urgently needed items is found at http://www.sarvodaya.lk/Inside_Page/urgently%20needed.htm.

An earlier statement by Sir Arthur is available at his website: http://www.clarkefoundation.org/#122704.

December 31, 2004