Promoting welfare activities for tsunami affected

Thihagoda Group Correspondent

The Sewalanka Foundation of Matara has initiated action to promote welfare activities of people affected by the tsunami.

Under the proposed programme a total of 1,552 transitional houses have presently been put up for tsunami displaced families in the Weligama, Matara, Devinuwara and Dickwella Divisional Secretariat. The extent of each house would be 260 square feet. The total cost of the project is Rs. 120 million. The Sewalanka Foundation has funded the project.

In addition household items worth Rs. 22,500 have already been given to each tsunami affected family on the recommendation of the District Secretary of Matara. Provisions of dry rations is still being provided for selected tsunami affected families in the Matara district.

Ananda P. Kariyawasam, District Director, Sewalanka Foundation, Matara, said that said Livelihood Promotion programmes have also been started in these areas through community based organisations with the participation of tsunami affected family members.

Coir machines with necessary raw materials have been provided to these families free of charge to engage in self-employment activities. Sewalanka has also financially assisted them in cleaning activities of their devastated coir pits. A total of 750 families engaged in the coir industry have been benefitted by this programme.

Under the fishermen's welfare scheme bicycles, plastic fish boxes, knives, scales and financial assistance have been provided to fish vendors hit by the tsunami. Sewalanka will extend financial help to those engaged in the lace industry, the manufacture of shoes, garment industry, food processing and cattle farming activities as well.

A programme to issue national identity cards, birth, marriage and death certificates to those affected by the tsunami was also conducted, Kariyawasam said.