Tsunami projects finalised in Ampara

Two projects funded by Italy will be finalised in the Ampara district today. The first project: "Support to the resettlement of the people struck by Tsunami and currently living in welfare camps" started on February 22, 2005 and was implemented in Saithamaruthu and Peryanilavanai, Kalmunai - Ampara district.

In the first village, mainly inhabited by Muslims, GVC (Gruppo Volontario Civile) an Italian NGO implemented the project in partnership with the local NGO Al-AMEEN. In the second village, mainly inhabited by Tamils, the partnership was established with the local NGO named SWOAD.

The purpose of the project was to build, in each village, twenty five semi permanent shelters with electrical and water connection facilities and one Pre School. The duration of the project, foreseen for four months, was extended to the August 30, 2005, in order to hand over seven more shelters. The good results achieved by the project will hopefully lead to new future collaborations with the local counterparts.

The objective of the second project, "Construction of intercultural Youth center and vocational training in Kalmunai (Ampara)" is to run an Intercultural and Professional Youth Centre in Kalmunai (Ampara district).

The project was designed by CISS (Cooperazione Internazionale Sud - Sud), an Italian NGO, SCI Sri Lanka (Sri Lankan Cultural Institute), its local partner, and funded by the Italian Cooperation and the 26th December Committee - Palermo. The aim is to create a place where all three Tsunami affected communities of Kalmunai (A Tamil, Sinhalese and Muslim), could receive professional training and participate in intercultural activities and exchanges.

The Tsunami destroyed most of the traditional system of social relations but opened the way to collaboration between the three communities which urged the provision of professional training and intercultural activities for the youth. For this reason a temporary Centre has been set up.

The project also includes the teaching of various activities like professional training in motor boat repairing, plumbing, domestic repairs and sewing, English, Tamil and Sinhalese language, Intercultural training and activities that will start from September 15.