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HFHSL Disaster Response Program in Trincomalee

Tsunami reconstruction program starts:  August, 2005
No. of building sites: 12
No. of houses planned: 503
No. of houses completed (7/31/07): 368

Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka was in the process of forming an affiliate in the northern port city of Trincomalee when the 2004 tsunami struck.  Although the loss of life and homes was less severe there than in Batticaloa to the south, there was still widespread damage.  Added to this was the continuing tension in the area between the Sri Lankan government and the separatist Tamil movement, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).  Thanks to the perseverance of a local pastor who is managing the reconstruction efforts there, and who has been able to maintain amicable ties with both sides, rebuilding has continued in spite of a recent deterioration in the cease fire between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government.  All the houses being built in Trincomalee are 300 sq. ft. with exterior bathroom and kitchens.   Beneficiary families are required to provide labor and materials for the homes, as well as produce building components.


House sponsored by Freshfields in Trincomalee.  Families here are allowed input into house design. 

This tsunami-affected couple, shown here at their temporary shelter, now lives in a Habitat house sponsored by SHO. 


Pastor Jeyakanth Selvaraj (seated, white shirt) talks to homeowners and applicants.  Jeyakanth runs the regular HFH program as well as programs for tsunami victims and internally displaced persons.