Mullaitivu is one of the districts devastated by tsunami. Over 3000 people lost their lives and more than 5000 homes were destroyed beyond redemption. In addition to the 3500 war widows there are about 800 Tsunami widows, thus escalating the misery in no small way.
Fishing, the most important livelihood of the people in the coastal belt, together with other activities like Transport, Ice Making, and Packing, linked to the fishing industry, were ?thrown over board?, with serious consequences.
In view of this position, Tamils Rehabilitation Organization (TRO), partner of ActionAid decided to construct of a full fledged boat yard for the quick supplies of boats, nets, repair facilities for boats and other connected infra structure will be a step forward in the right direction.
Accordingly, a boat yard was constructed in close proximity to the fishing community, thus, giving them the badly needed confidence and impetus to GO BACK TO SEA.
The boat yard at Mullaitivu was commissioned in June 2005 and employs about 30 people. Another salient feature of this boat yard is, it is ?Manned? by Women. These women have been specially trained on the job and they have acquitted themselves in an appreciable manner by producing approximately 25/30 boats per month.
The boats are distributed to the fishing families, chosen and recommended by the fishermen?s Co-operatives of the respective areas, thus, giving the fisherman the satisfaction of participation, in the process of distribution, in an equitable manner. Apart from the boat yard at Mullaitivu, construction of boat yards at Vaharai at Batticaloa district and Thirukovil at Ampara District are in progress.
?A concerted and a consolidated effort by all concerned would give the victims the light of hope. On a visit to the affected areas, we were convinced that the people there want to stand on their own feet and not to stretch their hands in distress, indefinitely. The population affected by Tsunami should be helped, so that they could be self sustained and be a community, which believes in its own ability, than be dependent on hand outs. Of course, little drops make a mighty ocean?, said Balendra, senior consultant for TRO.
