Tsunami-affected in Batticaloa get shelter

Children and adults, members of 36 families, stood with smiling faces carrying garlands to welcome the guests who arrived to handover their houses in Onthachchimadam scheme.

Having waited for almost five years after the tsunami that destroyed their houses in Kalmunai, Batticaloa, these families received permanent houses built by the Red Cross to rebuild their lives with dignity.

The Onthachchimadam phase two constructed with aid of American Red Cross and technical assistance of IFRC has all amenities such as water, electricity, roads and drainage system.

Batticaloa Branch Acting Chairman Sunil Dissanayake while requesting the beneficiaries to start a new life thanked the IFRC and Amcross for funding the project. Program Manager/construction IFRC John Wain requested the house owners to look after the houses well. "There is no other place like home. This house is yours. Look after it well for your betterment."

Under the Onthachchimadam phase one, 86 houses have been handed over to tsunami affected families.