Tsunami Housing Project by RCGC

BY RICHARD Dwight

ON 26th of December 2004, Tsunami devastated the lives of most of the people living on the costal belt of Sri Lanka. A large number of houses were completely destroyed.

The then Captain of the RCGC, Kumar Borelessa together with his Committee held an emergency meeting immediately after this disaster and decided to contact all the Royal Golf Clubs in the world to contribute to a Housing Project to replace some of the houses that were destroyed by the Tsunami.

The Members of the RCGC responded spontaneously and contributions were made by the Members lavishly. The response from the Royal Golf Clubs around the world was overwhelming. By this time the contributions collected was sufficient to build 10 houses.

The present Captain Elmo J de Silva contacted the Urban Development Authority to obtain land for the construction of these houses. The Urban Development Authority suggested that we collaborate with the Rotary Club of Colombo West to share a large portion of land in Habaraduwa for the same purpose.

Thereafter the RCGC signed an MOU with the Urban Development Authority and the construction of the 10 houses commenced.

The President RCGC, Shiran de Sosa represented the RCGC at the foundation laying ceremony at Habaraduwa together with the General Manager Chula de Silva.

To-date most of the houses are nearing completion and it is hoped that by the end of January 2006 the 10 houses could be handed over to the Urban Development Authority who will in turn give to the beneficiaries who have been identified.