The homes of nearly 120 000 Sri Lankans were destroyed by the tsunami. More than 600 families have already moved to their new homes constructed by the Finnish Red Cross.
A total of 26 blocks with 420 flats were constructed in the areas of South and North Kalmunai. The residents were able to move to their homes in August.
The wishes of the residents were taken into account during the entire construction project. Fireplaces were installed in the flats upon their request. The environmental impact of both construction areas has been paid special attention to, e.g. by building water cleaning systems.
The residents will be supported in adapting to living in a block of flats for at least a year. The programme will continue until 2011. It aims at diversifying people’s means of livelihood and at reducing social problems.
In addition to constructing blocks of flats in the region, the Finnish Red Cross has provided support to 200 families that have built themselves a new home to replace the one lost in the tsunami. The houses have been completed, and 3 100 people live in them.
People’s subsistence has been supported by providing microloans, with the help of which they have been able to initiate small-scale enterprising.
Reconstruction of hospitals
In addition to new homes, the Finnish Red Cross has renovated and reconstructed hospitals in Sri Lanka.
The Nintavur hospital destroyed by the tsunami has been reconstructed and supplied with medical equipment. The hospital was re-opened in October 2009. It has 88 beds, an operating theatre unit and a health centre. The hospital serves approx. 55 000 people.
The renovation of the Panama rural hospital has also been completed. The Finnish Red Cross has equipped the hospital in cooperation with three organizations. The second phase of the construction of the Pottuvil hospital was started in June 2009, and it is estimated to be completed in April 2010.
A Finnish health clinic operated in Ampara region from January to March 2005. The clinic treated 2 000 patients, and 32 Finnish delegates worked there. The supplies of the health clinic were donated to local health clinics at the end of the operation.
In Sri Lanka, the FRC has also developed rural water and sanitation systems, and has, among others, constructed more than 1 000 latrines as part of a community-based health programme.
By the end of 2009, the Finnish Red Cross will have spent a total of 15 million euros on assistance activities in Sri Lanka.
In 2010, the FRC’s assistance will continue for the following activities: construction of the Pottuvil hospital, finishing of the buildings, support to the families living in them, improving water supply in the region of Hulannuge, and support to the health programme of the international Red Cross. The budgeted amount for assistance in 2010 is 1.9 million euros.
Images: IFRC, Ishan Tankha
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