One of my friends, a journalist from India, Tishani Doshi wrote in an article recently published in the Tricycle magazine under the headline "A village in the wake of a wave" which is so appropriate considering the many developments that has taken place subsequent to this major catastrophe.

06 months down the line from that fateful day it has been truly amazing to recall how we have fashioned the rebirth of a village in the right direction to address the numerous needs and its vast concerns particularly managing the expectations of those traumatized which is hard to describe. Real courage was hanging in there for one more minute which was worth and rewarding at the end.

In this period of time we have addressed permanent shelter of 81 families beyond the 100 mt buffer zone and have planned with those generous sponsors who have committed to rebuild 125 new homes to accommodate those who lived in the 100 mt zone with up to date modern amenities by way of a mini township extending better opportunities. We have also provided a grant up to US$ 1,250/- per each house that has been partially damaged certified by a technical officer for nearly 160 homes. All of the houses that have been built are equipped with a lovely small garden and each home has been catered by way of a shopping list that takes care of the most essential items required for a house. In fact it is proposed that we select the best maintained property every month and offer a gift as an incentive to ensure all the properties are well kept.

Additionally the many priorities addressed in the ongoing relief work carried out in the village of Seenigama is listed below for the benefit of all our caring donors who really made it happen.

The idea at the end is to create a rural community model for the village so much better than what it was transforming this tragic setback into a blessing. This would not have been possible if not for the worldwide waves of compassion that came in as forceful as the waves from so many caring donors who gave selflessly for such a worthy cause. The stories of children wanting to help are really touching as well as one gentleman in particular namely, Milos Stankovic doing a mountain marathon climb in the UK covering 600 KM in record breaking time of 10 days in aid of our Centre of Excellence are just a few amongst so many who came to do amazing feats all for the worthy cause that it is to resurrect the lives of so many who in few minutes lost all their belongings.

We would strive hard as we go through this journey to make our village a better place for the greater good of humanity considering the disadvantaged rural community life.

Whatever we do for ourselves dies alone with us, but what we do for others remains immortal.

Kushil Gunasekera
Founder/Trustee

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