Norway's peace envoy arrives in Sri Lanka amid hopes for crucial tsunami aid deal

Norway's top peace envoy, Erik Solheim, arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday to mediate a deal between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels on the distribution of aid to areas devastated by the Dec. 26 tsunami.

Solheim on Sunday visited Muslim refugees displaced by Sri Lanka's 19-year civil war, which killed more than 65,000 people. He was scheduled to travel to the restive eastern town of Batticaloa on Tuesday for talks with the Sri Lankan military, the Tigers and European cease-fire monitors, said Tom Knappskog, a Norwegian spokesman.

Norway has worked hard to secure a deal between the government and guerrillas to ensure that foreign aid reaches rebel-held northeastern areas ravaged by the Indian Ocean disaster, which killed more than 31,000 people in Sri Lanka.

Officials involved in the peace process said the parties were expected to move closer to an agreement, but it was unlikely to be finalized during Solheim's four-day visit.

President Chandrika Kumaratunga said last week the proposed joint mechanism to distribute aid would be the foundation of a final solution of the civil war. If a deal is reached between the two sides, it would be the first major collaboration since peace talks collapsed in April 2003.

Sri Lanka's eastern region has been engulfed in violence recently that has left dozens dead. The latest incident was the killing of a government official on Friday by suspected guerrillas. Truce monitors have warned that the violence could plunge the island back into war.

The Tamil Tigers have been fighting since 1983 to carve out an independent homeland in the Tamil-majority north and east. A Norway-brokered cease-fire took hold in 2002, but subsequent peace talks broke down a year later.

Solheim has played a pivotal role since 1998 in attempting to end Sri Lanka's conflict. However, efforts to revive the stalled peace talks have so far failed.

Khalid

Government’s main Muslim ally lashes out at Tamil National Alliance

he main Muslim ally of the Alliance Government has condemned Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliament Group Leader R. Sampanthan's recent statement that ‘Muslims have not earned the right to become party to a settlement in the peace process'. Deputy Leader of the National Unity Alliance M. Abul Kalam reacting to the TNA statement termed it as ‘illogical and unfair'. "If Mr. Sampanthan says that still the Muslim community has not earned the right to be a party to solution, what does he proposes? Does he suggest the Muslims to follow the footsteps of LTTE? We don't want to do that. That's why the SLMC was formed by late leader Mr. Ashraff to avoid Muslim militancy. We can't afford another armed conflict," the NUA deputy Leader stressed.

"The argument by the Tamil Parties and leaders that the Muslims have not earned the right to participate in the peace process and to become party to a negotiated settlement is unreasonable and un-acceptable.," Kalam said during a seminar organized by the Centre for Policy Alternatives recently. He also emphasized that the Tamil parties should stop paying lip service to the Muslim aspirations and whole heartedly work for accommodating Muslim factor in the peace process. It is only then a permanent peace could be achieved in Sri Lanka He reminded that during the 1987 Indo-Lanka peace accord and the Ceasefire Agreement signed in 2002 the Muslim aspirations were systematically marginalized. Muslims are at the receiving end prior and after the CFA and the same situation still continues. This was evident in Muttur and Valachchenai in 2003 and what has been happening in the last 2 months in Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts. "Mr. Sampanthan with his 22 MPs has a very good working relationship with the LTTE. I appeal to him on behalf of the Muslim community to use his good office to convince the LTTE to accommodate the Muslim community at all stages of the peace process, Mr. Kalam concluded," Kalam added.

Khalid

Today Top Story

A bhikku annoints a child in Colombo, 16 April 2005, as part of traditional New Year rituals.

Today top story

NEW YEAR WISHES

Wednesday, 13 April 2005 10:00 (GMT + 6.00)

German city of Fulda provides tsunami relief

Sine the fateful morning of tsunami two persons in the City of Fulda, near Frankfurt in Germany were thinking how to help the desperate people affected by the tsunami catastrophe, in Sri Lanka. Sumanasiri de Silva of Dodanduwa on the South coast of Sri Lanka has resided their for nearly 22 years living in Fulda since his arrival there in 1982.

Both Sumanasiri and his German born wife Nicole are known to Miss Becker who is the Secretary of the Government Agent of the City of Fulda. Through Becker they could meet the GA of the City to convene a high level discussion on implementing a mechanism of raising funds to provide relief assistance of the tsunami affected people in Sri Lanka.

Miss Becker revealed that there was a German national named Tobias Moretti attached to the Fire Brigade of the City of Fulda. Both Sumanasiri and Tobias were highly surprised to meet each other having equal interests in helping the tsunami affected people in Sri Lanka.

On 28th December 2004 Sumanasiri spoke to Tobias in the Fire Brigade over the phone and on the following day they met each other for further discussions on the issue of tsunami and its impact on the people of Sri Lanka. By then Tobias had already contacted the GA the Provincial Newspaper of Fulda the Red Cross, the Technical Rescue Organisation (THN).

Mayor of the City of Fulda Moeller, after studying the aims and objectives of this humanitarian project envisaged on providing relief assistance or the displaced communities of Sri Lanka agreed to extend his cooperation.

As the Mayor and the Fire Brigade of the City of Fulda had given green light in launching the fund raising during a day a sum of 5810 EURO could be collected. Since 28th December 2004, members of this project called 'Help South Asia', could be seen raising funds along the streets of the City of Fulda.

A German NGO named MALTESER which is also handling several humanitarian projects and relief assistance has been given the management of the funds raised by the members of Help South Asia which had already raised a fund of half a million euros.

MALTESER the German NGO had made arrangements to donate one fifth of the funds raised by Help South Asia for the tsunami affected communities in Thailand.

The balance of 52 million of rupees would be allocated for the relief assistance and out of that 19 million rupees would be utilized in the construction of an Orphanage in the Galle district and affiliated to it several other projects promoting Vocational Education, Languages and Computer Science would be started as continuous programmes specially for the benefit of the children living in tsunami affected areas.

Khalid

Let us join hands to rebuild the Motherland - President

The Sinhala and Tamil people of our country are closely knit by a common cultural heritage. Forgiving wrong and requesting forgiveness for wrong is a noble new year tradition our people have observed for a long time.

Therefore let us eschew all differences and join hands to rebuild our motherland, said President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in a message issued to mark the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

"The tsunami disaster is like a silver lining among dark clouds. A situation where all Sinhala, Tamil, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim Communities and faiths can work together is now emerging. If we can make the joint mechanism for providing relief to people in the North East a success it will be a fine foundation for finding a lasting solution to the national problem," President Kumaratunga said.

The message: "Today is New Year Day considered as the National New Year by the Tamils and Sinhalese alike. This is the common festival of the entire Sri Lankan people and truly our most delightful cultural festival.

However our people are celebrating New Year this time from a completely different environment than past years. Only three months have lapsed after the tsunami which was a natural disaster unprecedented in our history.

All this time we have been hearing about damage to lives and property caused by earthquakes, high tides and volcanic activity in other countries of the world and thinking how fortunate we have been. But on December 26, 2004 we too had to experience that unfortunate calamity. It caused the untimely death of nearly 40,000 of our brethren and damaged properties worth tens of millions of rupees.

That moment which grabbed away the expectations filled in our hearts and our loved ones has endowed us with a permanent agony. We understand the mental pressure and pain caused in you by it. Programs to relieve that pain have now been launched by places of religious worship, the government and other interested citizens.

Since Sri Lanka has been identified as a country falling within a region prone to natural disasters lately plans are now under way to set up a natural disaster early warning centre in Sri Lanka too. Apart from this elaborate plans to rehabilitate all people affected by the tsunami have been formulated and implemented within the last three months.

In this situation it is pointless for us to wallow in pain feel disgusted anymore. Therefore let us make the New Year which has dawned a year of resolve to rebuild the country and usher in peace and prosperity.

When we consider the New Year Day it is common to both Sinhala and Tamil people. This is neither a Sinhala New Year nor a Tamil New Year but a National New Year.

The Sinhala and Tamil people of our country are closely knit by a common cultural heritage. Forgiving wrong and requesting forgiveness for wrong is a noble new year tradition our people have observed for a long time. Therefore let us eschew all differences and join hands to rebuild our motherland.

The tsunami disaster is like a silver lining among dark clouds. A situation where all Sinhala, Tamil, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim Communities and faiths can work together is now emerging. If we can make the joint mechanism for providing relief to people in the North East a success it will be a fine foundation for finding a lasting solution to the national problem.

Furthermore this new year is celebrated on the occasion of the first anniversary of the UPFA Government headed by me. The UPFA government which was elected to office last year giving a new strength and awakening to the dawn of New Year has now laid the foundation for a new socio-economic and cultural order where social justice will rule supreme.

Much more has to be done to take the country forward on that foundation.

I hope that the strength, courage and matured thinking needed for it will dawn on every one on this new year.

Wish you all a happy New Year."

Khalid

TODAY'S TOP STORY

New Year treat on Channel Eye

Power House is producing a special program on Sinhala and Tamil New Year Day. According to Anup Chandrasekharan, Director - Power House, the New Year is a day where apart from conducting religious rituals, the family would sit together and watch a good television program. He said in keeping with this, Power House has produced a special New Year program with popular Tamil actress Sneha answering questions from Sri Lankans. This one hour special program will be aired on Channel Eye on April 14 at 8 p.m. Sneha will share some of her special moments in her life to questions from Sri Lankans.

Take care of injuries from Avurudhu sports

Hospital authorities yesterday warned Avurudhu revellers to guard against injuries they may sustain in sports events connected to the festive season.

They stressed that organisers of traditional and non-traditional sports events should pay adequate attention to the safety of the participants.

Colombo National Hospital's Deputy Director (Accident Service) Dr. Anil Jasinghe said a significant number of victims are reported every year due to injuries related to Avurudhu sports events.

"Organisers should pay attention to the safety component before organising such events," he added suggesting that organisers could even appoint a separate committee for this.

Authorities should also warn people to be extra careful and not to drive under the influence of liquor during the festive season as it could kill or harm them.

Officials warned motorists against driving under the influence of liquor especially since April over the years had recorded the largest number of road fatalities.

A hospital survey earlier revealed that one Sri Lankan dies every 4.5 hours in road accidents. Around 75 per cent injured are aged between 20 - 50.

This is very troubling as most are breadwinners.

It has been revealed that 11 per cent of road accidents are due to drunken driving. Amongst the other factors are lack of body protection and poor experience resulting in defective judgement.

Authorities also caution people to be careful when lighting fire crackers during this season.

Khalid

SC directs CEA to formulate, implement Community Noise Level Standard

The Supreme Court recently directed the Central Environmental Authority to formulate and implement the Community Noise Level Standard as early as possible. The Bench comprised Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva PC and Justices Nimal Gamini Amaratunga and Saleem Marsoof PC.

The court made the direction following the submissions by Deputy Solicitor General Mrs. Bimba Thilakaratne who informed the court that the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) was in the process of formulating a Community Noise Level Standards to impose sound limits in urban and residential areas. The DSG submitted that the matter was of public importance since there were several cases pending before the court. However, she submitted, according to her instructions the formulation of the standards would take time.

The DSG further submitted that the standards had been already laid down in respect of the industrial noise could not be used in respect of community noise. She appeared for the added sixth respondent, the CEA in the fundamental rights application filed by five trustees of Weligama Jumma Mosque against the time limiting imposed by the Weligama Police in the use of loudspeakers in calls for prayers.

Senior State Counsel Indika Demuni de Silva for the second respondent ASP Weligama submitted that the permit had been issued to the petitioners was limited to three minutes each for the different sessions of calls for prayer and such limitations had been made in view of problems between mosques and complaints received by the public.

President's Counsel Ikram Mohamed for the petitioners submitted that if the call of prayer permit was increased from three minutes to five minutes for each session and the Jumma prayer for one hour with the period of call being at the usual level of volume and the continued period of prayer at reduced level of volume, the petitioners would be satisfied.

The Senior State Counsel submitted that she would obtain instructions from the second respondent whether such a scheme could be implemented and intimate the court on May 2 .

The case will be mentioned on May 2.

Khalid

Today top story

With the Sinhala and Tamil New Year drawing near, thousands flock to bus terminals in the Capital to travel to their villages for the festival. Here, a view of the Pettah Central Bus Stand.

Child Rehabilitation Centre for tsunami hit children

The Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Ministry will set up a Child Rehabilitation Centre (CRC) at a cost of Rs. 10.5 million for the welfare of tsunami affected children of the North-East and South with the assistance of a U.K. based business venture, Matalan, a ministry spokesman said.

He said the CRC will be set up in a five acre land at Maduruketiya in the Moneragala district.

The foundation stone for the Centre was laid recently by Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena and Director of Matalan, Jason Hargreaves.

The Centre which provides facilities to about 300 tsunami affected children will consist a fully fledged hostel, indoor sports auditorium, a swimming pool, a library, conference halls and other modern facilities.

Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Ministry Secretary Sitha Rajapaksa, Uva Provincial Council Minister Dayaratne Bandara, Uva PC member Kumarasiri Ratnayake and several others were present at the foundation stone laying ceremony.

Khalid

More buses, trains for New Year

Thousands of people are flocking to their villages all over the country to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which dawns on April 14.

Transport authorities have bolstered services, anticipating a surge in demand over the holiday period. More buses and trains will be in operation to cater to the additional demand. Police are also planning for higher levels of private vehicular traffic.

Over 600 additional CTB and private buses have been deployed so far for the convenience of passengers during the festive season, transport authorities said.

National Transport Commission (NTC) Director Operations G. Perera told the Daily News that in the last two days alone around 400 additional buses have been sent to different parts of the country from Colombo under the special private bus service launched for the New Year.

"In addition to services commencing from Colombo, provincial transport authorities are deploying buses from areas like Katunayake, Kaduwela, Panadura and Avissawella. This has reduced the usual New Year congestion at the Pettah bus stands," he said.

He said that officials have been deployed in all main bus terminals to deploy buses according to the passenger demand while a special office has also been set up in Pettah to coordinate with commuters.

"Services to transport people back to Colombo after the New Year will start from April 16 from a number of areas including Matara, Tangalle, Gampaha, Kandy and Badulla," he added.

The Central Transport Board (CTB) said it has already deployed 270 buses in addition to the usual fleet to ensure a convenient ride for passengers going home for the New Year.

CTB Manager Operations C. Alahakoon told the Daily News that the highest number of buses has been sent to areas like Badulla, Ampara and Kandy.

"There is a significant drop in the number of passengers travelling South for the New Year this time, probably due to the tsunami disaster.

"This has lessened the usual crowding at Colombo bus terminals," he added.

Meanwhile, commuters travelling to certain areas have complained of over-charging by private bus operators.

NTC Director General M. Jeffrey said they have received eight -10 complaints of overcharging during the New Year service.

"We have summoned the alleged offenders before the Commission. Stern action including the cancellation of route permits will be taken if they are found guilty," he said.

Meanwhile, railway authorities have also boosted services over the New Year period. Railways Manager Operations P. Chandratilleke told the Daily News that under the program, more long distance trains will be deployed to different parts of the country.

Accordingly, special trains are to be deployed to Kandy, Badulla, Hatton, Matara, Galle, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, Batticaloa and Matale and back before and after the New Year for the convenience of commuters.

"Special services from Colombo commenced on April 8 from the Fort and Maradana railway stations. They will be available till April 12. The same service will be available for commuters to return to Colombo after the New Year," he said. The Department will also launch a special New Year train service from the Katunayake Free Trade Zone to Galle today.

Khalid

Muslims say TNA trying to force them out of Iqbal Nagar

Muslims in the Iqbal Nagar village in Trincomalee allege that the divisional Secretary of Kuchchaveli, backed by a leading TNA Member of Parliament, is making attempts to force them out and settle Tamils in the area by saying they were affected by Tsunami. They say that the divisional secretary is trying to disturb the ethnic proportions in the area by unlawful acts of this nature. Last week the divisional secretary had informed an NGO to clear the area to settle Tamils in the area However, when the Muslim villagers protested the NGO had backed out from the area.

Muslims in the area say that Tamils have more land available in the area for re-settlement while the Muslims have little over 100 acres in the area and that land is more important to them because most of them are fishermen and they need to live closer to the sea. Muslim villagers also say that Tamils in the area backed by the politicians had planned this encroachment long before the tsunami and they are trying to use tsunami to expedite and achieve their sinister objectives to upset the ethnic proportions in the east. .

Villagers also say that a certain politically motivated Tamil group had demarcated 250 acre area saying that it is for the development of the eastern university while only 50 acres were allocated for the eastern university and its further development. Muslim villagers say it is done with the intention of re-settling Tamils in the predominantly Muslim area. This act has deprived the Muslims the access to the beach, especially to the fisherman. The Divisional Secretary had also informed the Muslims in the area to prove their ownership within two days. Muslim villagers say they lived in the area for generations and they fled the area twice during the ethnic clashes in 1983 and 1990 and they were re-settled in the area when normalcy returned.

On Friday, SLMC leader Rauff Hakim wrote to the government agent, Trincomalee, G. Rodrigo saying that there is attempt to create communal disharmony through forcible settlement of alleged tsunami victims in the Iqbal Nagar Kuchchaveli GS division.

TODAY'S TOP STORY

It is the Avurudhu season and city pavements are the scenes of bustling activity with hawkers in a frenzied competition to sell their wares. Here young garment factory employees from the Katunayake FTZ look for a bargain during a round of last minute shopping before going to their villages for the Avurudhu.

wishes its readers a Happy Sinhala and Tamil New Year.


Posted by Hello

Hollywood Artists launch housing project

The Chief Sanga Nayaka of America and President of Dharma Wijaya Buddhist Vihara in Los Angeles, Ven. Dr. Walpola Piyananda Thera launched a massive fund-raising campaign with the participation of Hollywood Artists and the World Trust Foundation in U.S.A., for the construction of permanent houses for the victims of tsunami catastrophe who lived along the coastal villages of Telwatta, Akurala, Godagama, Seenigama and Peraliya in the Divisional Secretariat area of Hikkaduwa.

Recently the ceremonial foundation laying was held at Galagodawatta amidst a large gathering of Hollywood Artists. Camille Cellucci Founder of Holywood Artists Alliance and Art Director of Titanic film addressing the gathering said that "in order to raise funds for the affected people who lost their houses and dear ones in your families numerous programmes were held in U.S.A. On the guidance of Ven. Piyananda Thera Hollywood Artists Alliance was formed", she said.
Referring to the clowns, she said that their role was to bring happiness and love for the affected communities and in the same manner the spiritual leaders such as the Buddhist monks present here tried to convey the universal message of the importance of love and sympathy," she said "Love is greater than suffering" she furthur said.

Fisheries nets Rs. 1.5 billion Chinese aid

The Chinese Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) will be re-constructing six fisheries harbours out of the 10 destroyed by the tsunami, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 1.5 billion (US $ 15m), within a period of 18 months.

The tsunami-battered fisheries industry gets a shot in the arm with the inauguration of Fisheries Harbour re-construction project in Panadura, with Chinese assistance.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Panadura Fisheries Harbour yesterday, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said that having understood the seriousness of the damage caused by the tsunami to the fisheries industry and infrastructure and its impact on the country's economy as a whole, the Chinese Government despatched a high-level Chinese company for the re-construction of the harbours.

Premier Wen Jiabao observed, "The Chinese people were greatly perturbed by the severe losses caused to Sri Lanka by the tsunami tragedy. Sri Lanka and China have had long and traditional bilateral ties and mutual cooperation between them.
Although China is not a very rich country, it has offered its heart-felt assistance at this great hour of need, to revamp the fisheries industry, worst hit by the tsunami devastation".
He also pledged to assist Sri Lanka in setting-up 'Detection and Early-Warning' systems for disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes, inclusive of training personnel for same.
"I wish Sri Lanka will progress to prosperity despite temporary shortcomings encountered in the process", Prime Minister Wen Jiabao added.

Fisheries and Ocean Resources Minister Chandrasena Wijesinghe speaking at the ceremony pointed out that the tsunami devastation was the worst ever disaster in Sri Lankan history killing over 40,000 people. The worst impact had been on the fisheries industry, in which over 20,000 boats and ten out of the twelve fisheries harbours around the island were destroyed. It has caused a grave threat to the economy of the country.

"We are confronted with the greatest challenge of reconstruction of the country. China's assistance in the re-construction of the fisheries harbours and the inauguration of this project today in Panadura is a great victory for us", the minister re-iterated.

Khalid

Tension between police and public in Potuvil

A tense situation is prevalent in Protuvil, Trincomalee after police had a confrontation with the public after villagers in Potuvil handed over a memorandum against illegal construction in their fishing areas. The situation intensified after last night's bomb attack by an unknown group. However, our sources confirmed that a Reserve Police Constable had been involved in this incident of a grenade being thrown. An eye witness of this incident is said to have been beaten up by the police later on.

Several Muslim villagers were reported to have been hospitalized after the confrontation between the Police and the public after the incident.
The public complained that certain elements are creating a conflict in the area with several incidents of illegal construction. After the villagers handed over the memorandum, the District Secretary had investigated the matter and he too had decided that this construction was illegal.
Rauf Hakeem , the Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, said that the Government should hold an independent inquiry on this matter, he also said that he will bring this matter before the police officials in the area. Hakeem further stressed that various interested extremist groups in the area with vested interests are stirring clashes between the Sinhalese and Muslims. He warned that there were some outside elements who would benefit from such activities. SLMC leader urged all communities in the East to act with maximum restraint, in spite of the difficult situation.

Khalid

TODAY'S TOP STORY

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga greets Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao before their talks at President’s House yesterday.

National Action Plan for tsunami children's welfare

WOMEN'S Empowerment and Social Welfare Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena has decided to prepare a National Action Plan recommended by the Government for the welfare of tsunami victim children. Under this plan funds will be utilised according to the plan, a ministry official said.

He said that the main intention of this plan is to ensure development and protection of the tsunami affected children.

The plan will be formulated after holding a series of discussions with all non-Governmental organisations working in tsunami affected areas.

The first discussion took place at the Galle District Secretariat on April 7 attended by Minister Jayasena. All MPs representing Galle and Hambantota districts, Provincial Council and Pradeshiya Sabha MPs, State officials and representatives of the NGOs were present.

All ongoing projects implemented by the NGOs such as pre-schools, day-care centres, vocational training centres, loan schemes, self-employment schemes, welfare programs related to the disabled will be streamlined according to the National Plan.

The Government's plan will be presented to the participants during the discussion and an investment plan will be formulated.

The program is a joint initiative of the Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Ministry and the UNICEF. The same discussion will be held early May with the participation of NGOs, State officials and all the other parties in the North and East.

Following this another discussion will be held in Colombo with the participation of all officials in South and North-East Provinces.

Follow-up monitoring will be done during a period of two years with the participation of UNICEF and the ministry. Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Ministry Additional Secretary W.H.W.Soysa will co-ordinate the program.

People displaced by tsunami moving into safe accommodation - UN Humanitarian Co-ordinator

THE tragically high loss of life, the number of those displaced and the sheer size of the district have presented significant challenges to all the UN agencies and NGOs working in Ampara.

But, now we can see real progress being made; people displaced by the tsunami moving into durable and safe accommodation able to look to a more hopeful future, said UN humanitarian Co-ordinator Miguel Berno.

He was speaking at the handing our 42 temporary houses to tsunami displaced families in Kalmunai and Ampara. UNHCR representative James Lynch also participated.

The whole UN country team in Sri Lanka is proud of what has been achieved during the initial relief phase and examples such as the construction of these temporary homes, augurs well for the next phases to come Bermeo added.

Built by UNHCR through its implementing partner the Rural Development Foundation (RDF), with water and sanitation facilities provided by UNICEF, the pilot project is a precursor to the construction of 2,500 more shelters in Ampara district, to be erected at a rate of 500 per month. A further 1,500 temporary houses have been pledged by UNHCR if required.

Zafira and her family were one of the first to move into their temporary houses on Thursday. Having previously lived only 30 meters from the shore, Zafira lost her seven-year-old son in the tsunami, which claimed a total of 900 lives in Marathamunai, Kalmunai Division. The tsunami took away my son, my home and all my possessions.

'My husband does not want to return to his fishing, instead he hopes to work as a local vendor and earn a living around Marathamunai," she said.

Bridging the gap between emergency shelter and reconstruction, temporary houses are becoming more urgently required with the imminent onset of monsoonal rains in the coming weeks.

The transitional shelters (measuring 12 x 16 feet) consist of two partitioned rooms built within a galvanised iron frame, and are compliant with the internationally-recognised Sphere standards for a family of five persons. The brick foundation provides a firm, impregnable base, with plywood forming the upper walls.

The roofs are made of zince aluminium. More expensive than tin, zinc aluminium has the added benefit of not conducting heat to the same extent as the cheaper option, ensuring greater comfort for those living inside.

The need to keep occupants cool is also recognised through the inclusion of a gap between the top of the outside walls and the zinc aluminium roof. However, at 6 foot in height, the walls will adequately furnish resident with privacy and security.

Lynch, said "the process of building transitional shelters is as important as the outcome. Close consultation with beneficiaries is vital to UNHCR when planning the construction of shelters", he added.

"We aim to keep communities together, and this requires careful attention in the process of identifying land on which to build.'

Designed to be mass-produced, the transitional shelters can still be tailored to suit the particular needs of beneficiaries.

UNHCR continues to work on its transitional shelter projects in Ampara and Jaffna, where the UN Refugee Agency recently completed 210 temporary houses outside Manikadu town. A future transitional shelter project is planned for Trincomalee.

Khalid