NEW INDUSTRIES PROVIDE NEW INCOMES IN SEENIGAMA

Last week we opened a fantastic new factory in Seenigama which will provide new incomes to over 45 men and women in the village. These exciting new industries are Coir Yarn and Brush Handle Manufacturing which will function under 'Seenigama Projects'. They have been created since the tsunami as part of our new livelihoods initiative offering sustainable incomes to the villagers involved. This is an excellent example of how the village is moving on from its previous income of coral reef mining. For the past 100 years coral mining had been the main industry for the village but it was both dangerous and illegal.

The Foundation has appointed a factory manager and the new industries are already underway. We have so many people to thank for making this happen. Firstly our dedicated volunteer Nicholas Kreider who put in so much work to get this project started - he even extended his stay in Sri Lanka to ensure its success. Nick's hard work has really paid off and we are indebted to him for all he has done to get Seenigama Projects up and running.

We must also thank Ravi Industries Ltd and Onril Pvt Ltd (both part of Hayleys Group) who have subcontracted Seenigama Projects and offered tremendous support. As a subcontractor we purchase raw materials and produce brush blocks for Ravi Industries to export (they are the biggest exporter in Sri Lanka!). For the Coir Yarn we subcontract the women in the village who spin raw fibres into yarn which is then delivered to Onril Pvt Ltd.

Without the backing of our friends from Mercy Corps this whole project would not have been possible. Mercy Corps have been solid supporters of the village since the tsunami and previously funded a massive clean up campaign in the village. Their donation towards this project has been incredible - they have funded the building of the factory, and all the equipment and resources we needed to start these successful new industries.

Again we see new hope and new livelihoods in Seenigama and each day we move from strength to strength - a village in the wake of a wave.