(last updated January 2006)

Sri Lanka and the tsunami

The island of Sri Lanka was hit by a Tsunami on the 26th of December 2004 shortly after the earthquake in Indonesia. The tidal wave was in excess of 20 feet when it hit the Eastern and Southern shores of the island. It devastated communities living in these coastal areas causing significant loss if life and damage to property. It is estimated that in some areas, the waters extended up to 1 km inland (see Fig). Approximately 40,000 bodies have been recovered so far and more than half a million people are displaced. The number missing is unknown because entire villages were submerged by the wave.

Our relief efforts are directed at three specific projects:

  1. The Medical School in the City of Galle
    This medical school, which is part of the University of Ruhuna, is located in the South of the country. The faculty buildings and the main teaching hospital were unaffected but the student accommodation was badly damaged. Two student hotels were rendered uninhabitable and temporary accommodation was needed immediately for the students. It is anticipated that a permanent solution will be found for the problem but that is likely to take time. Three students died while several faculty and students lost their homes and belongings. Our donations have helped to provide temporary accommodation for approximately 50 students for the next year. Some students who have lost parents have been given outright grants. We are in the process of negotiating for a supply of books for those who lost their property.

  2. Rehabilitation of the village of Seenigama in the South of the country.
    Fortunately, funding for this project is available and the project organizers have recently obtained the relevant permits from the government to begin reconstruction. Their website is www.unconditionalcompassion.com . No additional funds are need for this program at this time.

  3. Rehabilitation of the town of Pottuvil in the south east of the country This was one of the worst hit areas and funds are needed at this time to provide displaced people with means of earning of a living. Most of the people in the area are fisherman and there is a need for boats, which are appropriate for sea fishing. The cost of these boats is approximately $1000.00. Additional funds would be need for fitting outboard motors. Other items that are needed are bicycles ($35.00 each) and sewing machines ($150.00 each). This particular project is one of several undertaken by a Sri Lankan organization called Rebuild Sri Lanka (www.rebuildsrilanka.org) .

    All funds donated at this time will be directed at projects 1 and 3 above. There are no overheads.

    Can we donate if living in the USA?

    Yes, donations go a long way! Every dollar counts! All donations are tax-deductible in the USA according to standard IRS regulations, and we will provide official receipts. Please make checks payable to Sahaya International with mention "Sri Lanka tsunami relief", and send to:
    Sahaya International, Inc.
    c/o Koen Van Rompay
    2949 Portage Bay Avenue, Apartment #195
    Davis, CA 95616
    USA
    Phone (evenings): 530-756-9074
    kkvanrompay@ucdavis.edu
    www.sahaya.org

    We thank you tremendously for your support!! .

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