Sewalanka Foundation in the North is confident about the success of its reconstruction work. In partnership with German Agro Action (GAA), Sewalanka has started or finished all the 1,500 transitional shelters pledged. Also recent approval was granted by the authorities to rebuild six villages.

Family in Jaffna sit outside their transitional shelter .

Sewalanka and GAA responded quickly to the emergency situation in Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. In addition to building 1,500 transitional shelters, Sewalanka has over the last six months, provided dry rations to 10,842 families, kitchen utensils to 8,500 families, cleaned 100 public wells, provided 350 water tanks (capacity 1,000 litres) and built 14 km of internal roads, 1,450 toilets and 5 community centres.

Sewalanka’s northern regional director, Mr Revathan commented that, “every day of the last six months there has been challenges. Although the most rewarding aspect of my position has been the quick completion of transitional shelters and the way partners, staff and volunteers worked together to complete work that would normally take one to two years within six months; there were many sleepless nights.”.

In the North, like other parts of the island, tents were suggested at one point as being a viable transitional shelter solution. However, as Mr Revathan explains, “It was just too hot within the tents. Once the idea was raised within relief community, I went and sat in a tent for a couple of hours with some of our beneficiaries during the heat of the day. Quickly, I realised that this was not going to be a suitable option. I’m really proud that Sewalanka initiated the construction of transitional shelters in the North.”

The shelters being built in Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi are made from materials locally sourced and culturally appropriate. They have cement floors, half clay brick and half cadjan walls with cadjan ceilings. Again, Sewalanka Foundation is following the standards set by the National Housing Development Authority.

At the time transitional shelter was built, Sewalanka Foundation found that the price of goods quickly rose; for example the cost of cadjan rose from Rs.20 to Rs.26 per sheet. However, Mr Revathan is quick to point out that out of disaster also comes benefits, “Soon it became apparent that new suppliers were emerging as entrepreneurial individuals started to make clay bricks and other necessary items.”

Working together

Transitional shelters and toilets in Mullaitivu.

Mr Thamilalagan, Northern Tsunami Project Director credits Sewalanka’s ability to work quickly in part to the coordination of key stakeholders. “Soon after the tsunami struck and emergency relief was being implemented, a District Taskforce was formed comprising representatives from the government, the LTTE and NGO (non-government organisation) sector. The taskforce solved problems and ensured that solutions could be implemented swiftly.”

“An example of the assistance provided by the Government and LTTE is that the checkpoints were open to midnight in order to check and clear goods, this was a major help to ensure that relief items were delivered to those that needed them when they needed them.”

Permanent Shelter

This cooperation has extended to permanent shelter as Mr. Dirk Altweck, GAA Project Manager, explains, “It is particularly encouraging that the LTTE in the North is working closely with government authorities”.

Sewalanka and GAA have been granted approval to start planning and construction to rebuild six villages (details are below in the graph). The reconstruction will not only include permanent houses but the construction of wells, toilets and drainage facilities to rebuilding shops, preschools and primary health care centres (please refer to the box for a complete list).

In addition, an exciting component of this program will be the strengthening of civil societies. For example in Jaffna, twelve community based organisations will be strengthened including training in financial management, leadership skills, conflict resolution, etc.

Equity balance

A unique component of the Northern work is that the development program for conflict affected communities progresses at the same rate as the work for tsunami affected communities. Mr Revathan explained, “Sewalanka North is ensuring that existing and new projects for conflict affected communities run in parallel to our tsunami-work and they are given equal priority and importance”. This fine balance and equal distribution of aid is very important in a country pursuing a peace process.

>> For further information please contact:
Mr. Thamilalagan on 021) 228 5082