FOUR Sri Lankans from the tsunami-devastated village of Seenigama are taking part in this weekend’s beach volleyball tournament at the Gunsite.

The quartet – Thushara Dedimuni, Asanka Kumarawadu, Lachintha Ponduwa and Suranga Dadallage – were officially welcomed to the Island at a reception last night hosted by the Lieut-Governor, Lieutenant-General Andrew Ridgway, and Mrs Ridgway at Government House.

Gen Ridgway wished them luck, although he added that after Sri Lanka’s demolition of England in the one-day cricket series, they probably did not need any.

Their trip has been organised by Jersey Side by Side member and freelance writer Suzi Austin, who worked as a volunteer for the Foundation of Goodness charity in Seenigama earlier this year.

Jersey Side by Side gave £30,000 last year to rebuild partially damaged houses in Seenigama and to help fund the village’s livelihoods scheme, and it was Miss Austin’s idea to cement the relationship further by inviting the volleyball players to this weekend’s tournament.