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homeowner_neelasenai_20110626(2).jpgThe Sri Lankan Civil War ended after for more than 25 years of unrest, and now most of the refugees have been returning to their homes. However, for the many returness affected by the war, their happy ending is still a long way off.
　　
Returnees are barely able to cover their costs of food and shelter as manual day laborers or self-sufficient farmers. A bare-essentials kind of life has more or less been established here, but the living environment and housing situation could in no way be called safe or stable.
　　
Typical shelter consists of an 4×4 size of room, with a floor and roof made of woven, dried palm fronds. Others are made from corrugated metal sheets, provided by other organizations before Habitat reached. The palm leaves are easily damaged by wind and rain, and there have been instances of snakes getting in through the openings in the weave. The sheet metal dwellings do not fare much better, trapping the tropical heat inside or being blown away by strong winds blowing in off the sea.
　
The houses that Habitat is building are made from sturdy cement blocks and have ceramic-tiled roofs. These houses are not only phisically durable, but also able to release heat instead of holding it inside. Mr.Sivasambu, whose house was recently completed, noted that the construction was "More than I'd hoped for, I am so happy. After the rice harvest when I have a little money, I'd like to build it even bigger." Seeing his ear-to-ear smile is part of what makes Habitat's mission successful.
　　
Habitat Japan will be working in Sri Lanka for a long time to come in order to realize our dream, "A world where everyone has a decent place to live."
　
　
◆Related articles/reports
2011.06.25　The Reality of Returning Refugees
2011.06.18　Building Hope Myself: Sweat Equity in Sri Lanka
2011.05.27　[Staff Letter-1]Is An Elephant Scary !? The Wild life in Sri Lanka
2011.05.20　Reassessment for Upgraded Shelter Kits
2011.05.16　Home Owner Selection to House the Refugees
2011.05.10　Shelter Kits Distribution to Save the Flood Victims
2011.04.18　Habitat Japan to Start Two Humanitarian Reliefs