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Tsunami REACH Founder visits Sri Lanka
Donald Stevens meets with Dr. Suren Batagoda, the Executive Director of the Tsunami Housing Reconstruction Unit (THRU) and his executive staff in Columbo, Sri Lanka to discuss long-term reconstruction challenges faced by the government, NGO's and private sector.
Mr. Stevens meets with Nishantha Kamaladana, Director of Center for Housing, Planning & Building in Columbo, Sri Lanka to discuss US building technology and the program to help build 25,000 homes over the next five years in Tsunami devastated areas. The following letter, below, dictates his support of the building technology and program.
April 20, 2005
To: Secretary Ministry of Housing and Construction Industries, Eastern Province Education and Irrigation Development
Sub: Technology Offer from Tsunami REACH
Ref: Letter addressed to you by Donald A. Stevens, Founder of the Tsunami REACH on the same
I had the opportunity of meeting Donald A. Stevens of Tsunami REACH who was here to offer his housing solution to Tsunami victims. He came with small samples that go in to his housing solution, which are quite convincing in terms of strength and durability. His technology also beneficial in terms of speed of construction, requirement of only semi skilled workers (as many of the process is computer directed) and even the cost (3750 US Dollars for a 500 sqft house which comes to about 375,000 Rs).
He also intends to construct a model house at Galle (reference his letter) and requires the support of the Government to do it.
I am of the view that it is worthwhile giving him the opportunity to construct a model house and on acceptance of the same by the community to facilitate his action to spread the technology.
Nishantha Kamaladasa
Director
Centre for Housing Planning and Building
Mr. Stevens meets with Mr. Podinilame, Director of Center for Human Development and his son in Kegalle, Sri Lanka to discuss their housing project in Baticaloa. CFHD is a Sri Lankan NGO operating throughout the country providing aid and assistance.
A Memorial Erected in GALLE, SRI LANKA
The last photo on the bottom right are three passenger car from the train that was destroyed in the December 26, 2004 Tsunami. It is estimated between 1,200 to 2,000 passengers died on board. The memorial stands today to remember those victims.
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