It's two years after the tsunami and life is slowly coming back to normalcy. The deadly tsunami battered the coasts of more than a dozen countries from South Asia to Eastern Africa. It's hard to imagine that the tsunami took away so many lives and the hopes and dreams of many. For many people, the glaring impact of the tsunami has subsided. However, critical needs still exist.

In Sri Lanka alone the tsunami affected nearly 70 percent of the coastal belt in Sri Lanka, displaced more than two million people. Of those who died 50 percent were children, 30 percent women and 20 percent men. A further 5644 are missing. Over 15,000 people were injured. Thousands were children were orphaned and traumatized. 894 children lost both parents while 3267 children lost their mother and 2686 children lost their father.

Survivors are still trying to cope with the loss of life and destruction but amid the devastation there are signs of resilience and hope. Houses are being rebuilt, roofs are being repaired, Business are functioning normally and most importantly Children going back into the water. Women selling goods at local markets and fishermen casting their nets are just some of the scenes that are becoming more frequent.

In 2006 Caritas Sri Lanka is working together to rebuild the lives and the human dignity of the people. By doing do so we hope that the tsunami survivors are empowered to live secured and dignified lives in a safe and secure environment.

We are looking ahead towards a brighter and better tomorrow for the tsunami beneficiaries. The theme for this year is "working together – rebuilding lives". We at Caritas believe that we are involved in a process with the beneficiaries through a participatory method to rebuild their lives.

This year we have focused on providing permanent shelters, supporting more livelihood rehabilitations , animation, education and psychosocial support .