When residents of the tsunami ravaged village of Madeketiya began planning their memorial, event they never dreamed the President would take up their invitation. But their big ambitions paid off and on the 26th December, President Rajapakse joins villagers to unveil a memorial statue in which the names of 84 people who perished are inscribed.
Madeketiya was one of the most affected villages in southern district of Hambantota. In the immediate aftermath of the tsunami, ActionAid started working with the communities struggled by the disaster. Now, one year after the tsunami, big ambitions are part of the communitys new outlook on life, thanks in part to ActionAid and local partner NFPO, who have worked with the community to build their skills and confidence since their village was devastated one year ago. More than 150 families affected by the disaster have returned to the sea, reopened small shops and revived or taken up handicrafts, tailoring and dress making work.
On this district, ActionAid has focused on the resettlement needs of affected families and the education needs of children. Its other programs include livelihood restoration, psycho-social care and necessary legal aid.
ActionAid Sri Lanka, one year anniversary event
To commemorate this first tsunamis anniversary, ActionAid is telecasting, since 22nd December till next 30th, a series of short films to highlight personal stories of people all around the country who have overcome the tsunami.
Next Monday 26th, ActionAid will give voices to tsunami affected people on a 30 minutes radio program in both Sinhala (at 6.30 pm) and Tamil (at 7.00), on Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) through commercial service. The same day, multi religious events will bring together University students, parents, neighbours and ActionAid staff and partners. A silent march at 6.30pm from Egoda Kelinaya temple until the riverside, where pahan pujava and flowers will be flow, will honor the memory of all the people who died in the tsunami.
Besides this main activity, there will be more multireligious activities in two temples more (Bodhirukkaramya in Pettah, at 7.30 pm, and Kuppiyawatte, at 6.00 pm), as well as in Kochchikade Sivan Kovil, at 4.30 pm, and in one church.
On the 26th, ActionAid will also make a financial contribution for the Movement for restoration of the Human Dignity, Open University of Sri Lanka to buy educational materials for 75 school children tsunami victims from Pathirajagama, Ahunagalle, at 7.00pm.
Notes to editors:
ActionAid works in partnership with 18 local organizations in Sri Lanka, covering more than 170 villages in eight districts. Our interventions range from meeting immediate humanitarian needs, providing psycho-social support, rebuilding livelihoods, getting children back to school and ensuring aid reaches the poorest of the poor. ActionAids tsunami response program covers Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, the Maldives and Somalia. For more information on ActionAids work around the world: www.actionaid.org
For more information, please contact ActionAid International Sri Lanka Communications Unit:
(Sinhala-English) Mr.Nishantha Mallawaarachchi at 077 642 1376
(Tamil-English) Ms.Yasotha Kumaraguru at 077 327 1251
(English) Mr. Jacobo Quintanilla at 077 357 6445
