Asia World Concern Mourns a Colleague

Ragunathan “Ragu” Ramalingam, 31, was returning to the office on a World Concern motorcycle, after lunch at home with his family, when he was shot and killed on Monday afternoon, Sept. 11. He leaves a wife and five young children, including a newborn son, just five days old.

There is no known motive for the killing and there are no suspects at this time. The case is under investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of this man who gave himself for the care of people in need,” said David Eller, executive director of World Concern Development Organization. “It is such a tragedy to lose a husband, father, co-worker and friend. Our prayers are with the family and for peace in the region.”

World Concern’s staff in Sri Lanka is helping families to rebuild their lives in the wake of the devastating 2004 tsunami, as well as providing food and emergency services to people displaced by the re-escalation of a civil conflict that has claimed an estimated 1,500 lives since January.

Ragunathan was one of the first employees of World Concern in Sri Lanka, joining the organization in early 2005. Because of his work, hundreds of families received effective and rapid assistance - with adequate shelter restored, new access to water, restored livelihoods and emotional support.

To donate to the benevolence fund for Ragu’s family, click here and select Sri Lanka Benevolence fund on the donation form.