Excellency the President of Sri Lanka presented Sewalanka Foundation an award for its contribution in assisting those communities affected by the Asian tsunami. Specifically, the award acknowledges that Sewalanka significantly contributed to the overall national tsunami response by constructing 23% or 10,799 of the island’s total transitional shelter requirement.

Mother and Child in front of the home in the Thalmarunda shelter project

The award was presented to Sewalanka Foundation at a ceremony to celebrate the completion of 50,000 transitional shelters; it took place at Her Excellency the President’s House on Monday 22 August 2005. Eight other local and international non-goverment organisations also recieved awards for their efforts.

“I am very proud that Sewalanka Foundation has received this award from the state in recognition of our efforts,” says Mr. Tapan Barman, Regional Southern Director who represented Sewalanka Foundation at this ceremony.

“Sewalanka Foundation has worked hard in all eleven tsunami-affected districts and our achievements would not have been possible without the cooperation from government at all levels. This award also represents the commitment of Sewalanka’s partners, staff and field-level volunteers to provide transitional shelters and hence bring some normalcy into the live of those affected by this disaster.” Explained Mr. Barman.

Sewalanka Foundation started its transitional shelter program in mid-January and the quick response would not have been possible with out the support of international partners; German Agro Action, Concern International, DanChurchAid, People in Need and the Japan Centre for Conflict Prevention.

In addition to Mr Tapan, the following dignitaries also made presentations: Her Excellency the President; Mr. Tilka Raniviraja, Chairman of TAFOR; Mr Miguel Bermeo, Resident Representative, United Nations; and, Ms. Jo de Silva, Senior Shelter Coordinator, UNHCR

Please find a PDF copy of the short presentation prepared by Sewalanka Foundation for the award-ceremony (338k).