Master Plan Development

Ampara District was devastated by the tsunami of December 26, 2004 and major reconstruction and revitalization initiatives are required to recover from this disaster. The Master Plan for the Ampara District is being developed as a broad, long-term strategy which will leverage local and Canadian strengths. The goal of this Plan is to reestablish the lives and livelihoods of those affected by the tsunami, while rebuilding local capacity so that reconstruction can be accomplished in a sustainable manner, with the full participation of the people of Ampara District.

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Implementation

The needs faced by the people of Ampara District are great and, in many cases, immediate. Further to this, pressing implementation activities are being conducted prior to the completion of the Master Plan.

These activities include:

• CASP Gender Centre at South Eastern University
• CASP Computer and Training Centre in Akkaraipattu
• Handloom Industry Upgrade Centre of Excellence and advisory services
• Potato Trial Demonstration Project

NGO Reconstruction Efforts

There is a large number of NGOs, INGOs, and other organisations hard at work in Ampara District. Their efforts are many, and what follows are but a few examples of the great work being done:

• Foundation for Co-Existence (FCE) have rebuilt important religious sites and is a major player in conflict-related issues;
• Helvetas provides cash for livelihood restoration and other projects;
• HELP from Germany is engaged in well-cleaning and housing;
• Sewalanka Foundation has livelihood and other programmes;
• Relief International has put together microfinancing projects and much more;
• Islamic Relief has programmes for widows and orphans, shelters, and other important concerns;
• ActionAid does work with a number of partner organisations at the community level;
• Merlin is focused on health-related areas, such as hygiene promotion;
• SOND is a networking organisation dedicated to social advancement;
• Smyrna Fellowship is engaged in permanent housing;
• Caritas-EHED is a religious organisation that is working in human and economic development.