Caritas SEDGalle handed over fourty two (42) permanent houses on Friday 01 st December 2006 at a ceremony held in Galle.

Twenty Nine (29) families who received houses were living in temporary shelter at Rathgama Reggipura for almost two years, after they lost their homes to the tsunami. These families were living in the GramaSeva Divisions of Sinigama, Thotugamuwa and Thelwatte before . Thirteen other families were also chosen and provided with houses along with these twenty – nine families. A sum of Rupees 55 million was spent to construct the housing scheme at SEDGalle

“SEDGalle has already handed over almost 1250 houses to the displaced by the tsunami in the southern province. About 99% of the beneficiaries who received houses were Buddhists in the area. According to Christian charity we help others irrespective of their class but as a responsibility entrusted to us by our faith” - said Rev. Bishop Harold Anthony.

Explaining the activities and objectives of the organization, Fr. Damian Arasakularatne Director of Caritas SEDGalle said that i n addition to housing, Caritas SEDGalle is also involved in rebuilding schools, supporting sustainable livelihoods and promoting psychosocial programmes. They also focus their attention on providing community infrastructure facilities and on capacity building projects. Education for children has also been one of the main priority areas. Other activities also include improving infrastructure facilities and providing better water and sanitation facilities for beneficiaries. In conjunction with the housing programme water supply schemes were also built with the help of local participation. SEDGalle is also engaged in promoting small business ventures. “ We hope to continue these activities in the future too.” He added.

“We were able to rebuild the lives of the people because of the immense support we received from the dedicated people in the 162 countries within the Caritas Internationalis organization “ said Father Damian Fernando, National Director of Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC.

“ Caritas Sri Lanka - SEDEC in collaboration with Caritas SEDgalle has been with the tsunami survivors from day one. Within hours of the tsunami disaster Caritas Sri-Lanka immediately started distributing food and water and providing temporary shelters to them. Caritas Sri Lanka then began building permanent houses. These programme were carried out islandwide.” said Rev Panyarama thero, of Kegalle, President of the Inter- religious peace commitment foundation.

“Caritas Sri Lanka has established themselves over a period of time as a organization with a clear long term plan of action.” Said Hon. Lionel Premasiri,  Deputy Minister of Social Services & Social Welfare who participated at this event

Religious dignitaries, officials from governmental and non governmental organizations graced this occasion. International and national staff of Caritas Sri Lanka also participated at this occasion