Caritas Sri Lanka is committed to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable and in that respect pays special attention to women and children.

Within a few months of the massive destruction caused by the Tsunami 18,748 students in the affected areas were able to return to school thanks to the distribution of new uniforms, pairs of shoes and stationery.

Because education is paramount to sustainable development the reconstruction programme focused on rehabilitating schools as well as providing for pupils' basic needs. By the end of the immediate relief phase, we had already built 22 semi-permanent pre-school class rooms and three schools.

We completed repairs on 37 schools and are repairing 12 more in 2006.