Almost four years after the Tsunami, the island of Sri Lanka continues to recover from the devastation left by one of the world’s worst natural disasters. Quick relief operations carried the construction of housing schemes in new locations for displaced people. Some of these houses were built near very poor existing communities and the difference in housing facilities with their newly established neighbors contributed to increased tensions in the area.

    Located in Hambantota District in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, LIFH Project aims to benefit 50 families near the Czech Village, also built by ADRA Sri Lanka for tsunami victims, providing houses and latrines to improve their quality of life and get both communities involved in building peaceful relations by means of cross community sharing events between low income families and tsunami families. Beneficiaries are trained to participate in the construction and repair of houses and latrines which creates strong ties among the community and gives a sense of self-reliance to the participants.

    Despite the challenges that LIFH Project faces such as increasing prices for construction material, rainy seasons that do not allow to advance in the construction, and getting on time the proper documentation to continue operations; 17 foundations for houses have been laid, and other communities and 64 requests for houses are being considered.

   LIFH is a two year project funded by ADRA Czech Republic. If you want to know more about this project, please contact ADRA Sri Lanka at info@adrasrilanka.org