Citi Group Build - 18th Nov 2006

“Touching the Lives of People” - was the theme adopted by Citigroup Sri Lanka volunteers on Global Community Day with their community partners Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka.

In the southern coastal village of Nantota in Kosgoda 53 volunteers spent the day in helping to build 03 houses and provide electricity to the entire village which consists of 37 families. A workshop was conducted with the assistance of a representative from the Department of Agriculture for the women folk of the village who are engaged in Cinnamon growing, sub cultivation and tree planting.

Work on the site was organized with a variety of work involved in the home building process, demolishing of the existing structure, clearing the area, digging trenches for the new foundation and then laying the foundation/brick molding  for the new house (at times even passersby would join in the effort and assist).
 
“Visiting the actual location and seeing the conditions such as a one room house where a family of five cook, eat and sleep makes you want to do so much for them” said Amalee Perera – SCOO
Sri Lanka. “We have to give something back to the community and this being a global initiative made it even more worthwhile,” Dulani De Silva – Head, Compliance, said. Reiterating the fulfillment after the deed she said, “I enjoy this kind of thing. It is a good cause and I am happy this project was a success.”

Winding up a very successful day, Kapila Jayawardena, CCO Sri Lanka noted, “We believe that the organization’s progress should positively reflect on all its stakeholders. As a corporate social responsibility programme this was initiated globally to develop and nurture sustainable practices within the Group”.

He also thanked the “Habitat Team” for organizing a wonderful day towards the genuine cause of building homes for the homeless people. He stressed that in the future he is looking forward to working with HFHSL to strengthen the livelihoods of the people in this village.

 

(Click on images for larger view.)

A group of Volunteers commenced work by demolishing the old house.	The Volunteers digging trenches to lay the foundation for the new house.	Another group of Volunteers Laying Bricks after the foundation work.
The CEO of Citi Group Kapila Jayawardhana together with Janak Gunawardhana the Coordinating Manager of HFHSL, placing a coconut plant to symbolize the event.	Conducting a workshop assisted by a representative of the Department of Agriculture for the women folk of the village.

 

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