A holistic approach to tsunami recovery

The destruction caused by the 26 December Asian Tsunami was widespread causing loss of life, infrastructure, livelihood and economic assets. On the southern and western coastline of Sri Lanka the impact is huge as the coastal communities are highly populated with those working in the tourism industry or vulnerable groups like poor fishermen living close to the shore in simple houses and shelters.

Sewalanka beneficiaries in Kalutara receive household items.

In the period immediately following the tsunami, Sewalanka Foundation mobilised its staff to offer initial support and basic necessities such as food and water to tsunami victims. Clearing of debris to prevent and contain the spread of disease was also one of the initial goals of the organisation.

By the first week of January, Concern World Wide began to carry out an initial assessment with Sewalanka and government stakeholders to determine future requirements. From this point the two organisations have worked out a comprehensive post-tsunami recovery program entitled Emergency Relief, Rehabilitation and Livelihood Re-establishment Project (RRLRP) to meet the needs of the most vulnerable and affected individuals and families within the western and southern districts.

Ms. Sheena McCann, Concern's Country Director explains, "Working through a Sri Lankan organisation has meant that we have had much more of an impact right from the beginning. Sewalanka have been able to use their knowledge and experience to generate a more effective response, whether it is access to land for building temporary housing or identifying the needs of tsunami-affected people."

After the initial emergency situation was overcome and basic provisions had reached affected families to a certain level, the most vital issue throughout these districts was the loss of shelter as the displaced families were living in the open in an extremely insecure situation. The need to supply them with transitional shelters was urgent. Within the Southern and Western regions approximately 40,000 homes were partially or totally damaged.

Transitional Preschool built by Sewalanka in Telaraba, Matara .

After a series of discussions with key government stakeholders and other agencies, 6,000 highly vulnerable families were identified as needing immediate help. These at-risk families included: women-headed households, families with physically challenged persons, families who have lost everything, families with a higher number of small children and families who have not yet received any assistance from other sources.

In fact, Sewalanka recognised the need for quick provision of transitional shelter to reduce the stress levels upon already traumatized families living in emergency accommodation. Ms. McCann, explains: "With the tsunami, people lost so much in terms of lives and destruction of their houses and belongings. The transitional shelters provide families with privacy, a sense of security and ownership. It is a stabilising asset so that they can start living their lives again."

Transitional Shelters at Payagala North, Kalutara.

As at the end of June, the RRLRP has completed or started 89% of the 5,479 planned transitional shelters in Hambantota, Matara, Galle, Kalutara and Colombo. Therefore the relief phase of the project is almost complete and a large number of the target families have been provided with shelter, dry food rations, water, latrines, showers, kitchen utensils, school uniforms and household furniture (see chart).

More than just shelter

As at the end of June, the RRLRP has completed or started 89% of the 5,479 planned transitional shelters in Hambantota, Matara, Galle, Kalutara and Colombo. Therefore the relief phase of the project is almost complete and a large number of the target families have been provided with shelter, dry food rations, water, latrines, showers, kitchen utensils, school uniforms and household furniture (see chart).

The RRLRP in conjunction with the CBOs are conducting public health awareness seminars. Training workshops and information sessions have taken place throughout the entire region to improve community knowledge on issues of sexual reproductive health and the spread of communicable diseases and sexually transmitted infections. Further workshops on Child Rights will also be held.

One of the special aspects of the project has been its ability to reduce the trauma on affected families through the quick contruction of transitional shelters. Sewalanka Foundation has also throughout these regions implemented psychosocial programs to assist affected families find methods of coping with their immense losses.

Starting the long journey to livelihood recovery

Helping tsunami-affected families rebuild their lives and return to normality as soon as possible is the main goal of the projects in the Southern and Western region. In conjunction with the construction initiatives taking place, RRLRP is working to re-establish sustainable livelihoods. To ensure communities regain and maintain control over their lives, project implementation has relied heavily upon community input.

Throughout these regions RRLRP has facilitated Community Action Planning (CAP) exercises to allow individuals and families to identify their livelihood needs to ensure that they do not become dependent upon external assistance. Under this initiative the following projects have been identified for funding and support:

– provision of fishing nets and boats,
– construction of fishing community centres,
– provision of diving kits for youth,
– support for income gerneration identified by enterprising women,
– provision of training for men and women on enterprise development,
– assisting youth to enhance their skills in computer usage, batik making, driving, diving, sewing, fish processing, welding, and fibre works,
– rebuilding of numerous coir factories.

The RRLRP has also initiated a process of strengthening or establishing community-based organisations (CBOs) within each project site. These CBOs will ultimately be responsible for steering and managing all livelihood re-establishment activities supported by the project. As families living in transitional shelter sites become increasingly socially cohesive they are recommencing livelihood activities.

The partnership of the Sewalanka and Concern is working successfully in the Western and Southern districts to implement a holistic approach to the challenges tsunami affected families face.

"We would like to thank...

“...Sewalanka and Concern. My family were land owners by the beach here… the tsunami destroyed our house and we are no longer entitled to live there because our land is within the 100m buffer zone. After the tsunami, we were all living under a tarpaulin, no walls just a tarpaulin to cover us. All the adults, children and people who were sick were all living in the same place. It was very bad for us to lose everything and then have the children and elderly live like that. Thank you for your help, now we have nice wooden houses and facilities. Many of the men here were fishermen and their boats and nets have been destroyed. I know that you are helping us to get some boats and nets so that we can begin work again. All the children above 5 are back in school now and things are returning to normal." A family in Hikkaduwa.

>> For further information on the Southern and Western Program please contact:
Mr. Tapan Barman on 011) 2545 362-5

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Sewalanka Foundation is incorporated under the Companies Act No. 17 of the Legislative Enactment of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It is also registered under the NGO Registration Act, Registration Number L16806.