Rebuilding after the Tsunami in Sri Lanka, 2005-2006

The Indian Ocean Tsunami hit over 70% of all Sri Lankan coastline.
Complete villages were destroyed by the destructive waves.
Around 99.000 houses were completely collapsed and 130.000 houses got damaged.
SSF made designs of houses, according to the latest Sri Lankan requirements and within a budget of 5.000 U$ per house.
During community meetings the people could react on the designs and give their preferences.
After approval and stamping of the final designs by the Divisional Secretary, we were ready to start building.
Digging of the foundations trenches.
Rubble stone masonry of the foundations.
On the top of the foundations we make a tie-beam, to strengthen the overall stability of the foundation and the house.
In some cases the people built with cement blocks…
…while others preferred to build with bricks. In all cases the people themselves were responsible for purchasing materials and hiring of labour.
The paintings on the wall are meant to ward of burglars and evil spirits.
When the masonry of the walls is done…
…it is time to install all the trusses, rafters and purlins for the roof…
…which are then covered with roofing tiles.
Almost finished house made with bricks.
Digging of a water well.
Installing a sceptic tank for the toilet.
Finishing the houses with plaster and paintwork.
The first 20 houses that we finished near the village of Kurukkalmadam.
Opening ceremony in Kurukkalmadam after completion of the houses in the village.
Newly built house within the village of Kurukkalmadam.
Interior of a new house.
New built house in Mankadu.
Interior of the house.
For more pictures, and to stay up-to-date, please like our Facebook page: @smartshelterfoundation1

Project Data

Start of construction:	September 2005
End of construction:	April 2006
Total construction costs:	5.000 – 6000 U$ per house
Contribution CRWRC:	2.500 U$ per house
Contribution Sri Lankan Government:	2.500 U$ per house

The Project

The Indian Ocean Tsunami of December 25, 2004, was one of the most devastating natural disasters in the history of mankind.

In Sri Lanka more than a 1000 kilometers of coastline (over 70%) was hit by the waves. Over 31.000 people lost their lives and 450.000 people lost their homes. In total around 99.000 houses were completely destroyed, and another 130.000 houses were damaged.

From September 2005 until April 2006, Smart Shelter Foundation was hired by the Canadian aid organization CRWRC, to make designs and estimates of new houses. During this period, 170 new houses were built in the villages of Kurukkalmadam and Mankadu, under the supervision of Smart Shelter Foundation. An impression can be seen at the photo gallery above.

Between 2005 and 2008, CRWRC rebuilt around 900 houses at several sites in the east and south of Sri Lanka, and initiated a variety of livelihood projects in numerous villages. For the construction projects they kept using the designs that were made by SSF.

Sponsors and Partners

These rebuilding projects were initiated, executed and financed by Canadian relief organization CRWRC, in cooperation with the Sri Lankan government. Throughout the projects we worked together with a number of other local and international organizations, within the disciplines of housing, water, sanitation, livelihoods and such.