IOM, AAR to help Galle tsunami survivors

[TamilNet, Thursday, 24 November 2005, 11:15 GMT]
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) of Japan to build infrastructure and provide psychosocial support to a tsunami-affected community in Galle district. The funding for the project is being provided by the Government of Japan and Lanka Market Research Bureau, a press release from IOM said Thursday.

Full text of the press release follows:

Colombo, November 24, 2005 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) of Japan to build infrastructure and provide psychosocial support to a tsunami-affected community in Galle district.

AAR has already identified a site to build permanent houses for 30 families from Morahenpitigoda, a small village in Habaraduwa DS division, which was badly hit by the tsunami. It is working with a local partner, the Green Movement of Sri Lanka (GMSL), to develop plans for establishing the new community in the Imaduwa DS division.

IOM will channel funds from the Government of Japan to build a community centre and install playground equipment. Funds will also be allocated to organize recreational, cultural, educational and social activities for the new community in order to promote their psychosocial wellbeing.

The idea behind the project is that mobilizing the wider community and engaging them in group activities will help strengthen social bonds. The activities will also help people cope with the psychological effects of the tsunami and the additional burden of moving to a new location. It is part of IOM’s larger programme to provide psychosocial support to tsunami-affected communities.

The project will continue through June 15, 2006. It has been made possible by generous donations from the Government of Japan and Lanka Market Research Bureau.