The Foundation of Goodness (FoG) is celebrating handing over the 500th new and 400th restored home to villagers from Seenigama and its surrounds, who suffered massive loses following the 2004 tsunami disaster.

At a traditional ceremony held in the homes, chief guest former Sri Lankan test cricketer Mr Sidath Wettimuny formally presented the owners with their residences on behalf of FoG.

FoG Founder and Trustee Mr Kushil Gunasekera commended the outstanding effort made by foundation staff, volunteers and major donors Children Action to make this goal a reality, and improving so many lives along the way.

‘After the tsunami, we looked at the devastation and felt overwhelmed by how much there was to do to make life livable for the people here,’ he said.

It was the vision of cricketing star and philanthropist Muttiah ‘Murali’ Muralitharan which set the bar for what FoG could achieve.

Surveying the disastrous scenes in the area, he told Mr Gunasekera that in two years 500 new houses could be built to house the displaced villagers, many of whom were living in tents.

‘I thought his goal was a little ambitious considering all the work we had ahead of us,’ said Mr Gunasekera with a smile.

‘But I am delighted to say that his vision has come to fruition, and here we are able to give this brand new home to a very deserving family – and not only that, we’ve helped restore 400 damaged houses as well.’

A new home, a new start

Members of the Gunawardana family at their new home

In the small village of Godagama, 19 year old Osanda Gunawardana proudly gives a tour of his family’s new home – the 500th house built with the support of FoG and generous donors.

Two years ago on the 26th December, his family was racing for safety in the nearby hills carrying their grandmother. While they were safe, everything else was gone. The water had completely destroyed the building and all their possessions with it.

Like many others, the family came to FoG to ask for help – and now, finally, on the foundations of their ruined home a new house has been built, funded by Children Action.

Osanda is particularly fond of the corner room in the new house, which is his new bedroom. He thanks FoG with a simple smile.

A lesson in life

The 400th house to be restored post tsunami with FoG’s support

Montessori teacher K.H. Piyaseeli de Silva and her family are the 400th people to receive funding to restore their home, which they have lived in for 56 years.

She was not in the village when the tsunami occurred – but her 23 year old granddaughter was lost in its wake.

Faced with this tragedy, she returned to their house in Seenigama after two days to find water up to the ceiling. All the doors and windows were damaged, as well as the furniture, white-goods, and ornaments – in effect, all they owned. It was uninhabitable, so for one and a half years the family lived with relatives.

Thanks to the help of FoG and the kind donations of Children Action, they have now been able to restore their home, and restock it with all they needed to live there again.

‘The Foundation is very helpful to the villagers, and I thank them,’ says Mrs De Silva.
‘It’s good to be living here again.’

Building foundations, re-building lives

Mr Sidath Wettimuny takes part in traditional ceremonies at the 500th new home

For a local NGO like FoG, rebuilding and restoring these homes is no small achievement – and the generosity of donors who supported the new homes and restorations is no small gift. In particular, major donors Children Action have made a huge difference to the lives of the villagers, funding 165 new houses and the restoration of 192 damaged houses.

Each new house costs approximately US$3,500, which includes essential household items and a small landscaped garden. The homes are 530 square feet, with two bedrooms, a living space, kitchen, toilet and a verandah.

As well as being a modern and comfortable home for the occupants who have suffered so much from the tsunami, these new houses and restorations create hope and certainty for the future. While 24 months ago the challenges seemed insurmountable, thanks to the kindness and hard work of so many it’s now become a case of “mission: possible”.