Tsunami Relief Archive
The Jayawickreme Foundation was actively involved in relief operations after tsunami devastated a large coastal belt of the South of Sri Lanka, which is the second worst hit part of the island.
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Distribution
of essential items to Tsunami victims in camps |
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Weligama January 2005
The coastal town of Weligama was hit badly by the tsunami tidal wave with the main part of the town severely damaged. Presently, there are 21 camps with more than 20,000 refugees in Weligama alone. The Jayawickreme Foundation is actively involved in looking after 6 camps with about 2,200 refugees. It is with regret that we inform that 417 bodies have been found up to now
For
the latest tsunami update in Weligama, Sri Lanka
read the Tsunami
Situation Report
In these refugee camps there are many babies, children and pregnant women. Almost every family has lost one or more family members due to tsunami.
| We organised instant relief aid. The Jayawickreme Foundation has been assured crownland or purchased land to participate in the massive housing programme to build new houses for the people whose houses were destroyed by Tsunami. Temples, schools and office buildings are generally used as camps. |  Tsunami victims laughing in happiness after receiving essential items for their maintenance. |
Moreover,
we hope to start reconstruction, rebuilding and infrastructure work as
soon as possible as the schools have to be vacated quickly. Our urgent
attention would ensure a continuation of school education for the present
generation., or else, another generation will be lost without any education.
According to the latest statistics, 1581 houses have been damaged in Weligama:
647 houses are totally destroyed and cannot be rebuilt. 934 houses can
be repaired.
We are working
together with the Government as and when necessary and are in permanent
touch with the Ministry of Essential Services to co-ordinate our work
efficiently and effectively.
The Jayawickreme Foundation is an approved charity with a policy of being
non political and non religious and we strictly adhere to this policy.
We are dependent
on donations and are badly in need
of funds since we want to contribute as much as possible towards the rebuilding
of Weligama, our hometown.
It is our intention to give the devastated families who have been rendered
helpless, new homes and to give them fresh hope to restart their shattered
lives.
The Jayawickreme Foundation would appreciate very much if you could contribute
funds to rebuild the town of Weligama. All funds received by the Foundation
will be handled personally and utilised under the strict supervision of
our Foundation.
The Foundation is experienced in building houses as it has already carried
out housing programmes since its inception, three years ago. The Foundation
is also successfully operating an English School for poor village children.
Please spare a thought for the many victims who have been left homeless
and with broken families.
Long Term Proposals / Plans which will be undertaken by the Jayawickreme Foundation under “Project Tsunami”, Weligama.
1) Housing for Fishermen
Many houses will have to be built to solve the housing problems of fisherman who have lost their homes.
2) Young families
Newly wedded couples with the wives being as young as 15 years old used to stay in the houses of her parents in the affected fishermen villages. The Jayawickreme Foundation will build houses for these young families as well to ensure that they have a house, privacy and independence on their own.
As there is almost no birth control taking place we will organize seminars to educate these young girls from the fishermen communities on birth control.
3) Community Centers
New community centers / halls will be built to replace the damaged centers.
4) Fishing gear
We propose purchasing new boats for the fishermen who are helpless and unable to obtain financial assistance or help from any other sources. Fishing nets will also be purchased.
5) Rejuvenating small businesses
We propose to finance small entrepreneurs who have lost their business due to Tsunami i.e. lace making, coir rope making, tailoring, carpentry, electrical repair shops, bicycle repair shops etc. These business people can restart their business, provide jobs, have income and become independent again.
6) Places of Worship
We propose repairing
and reconstructing places of worship damaged by Tsunami.
Phone/Fax: + 94 (0)41 – 2250225; Email: info@jayawickreme.org