Sri Lanka Today.
Global attention was focused on this small island nation after the devastation of the Tsunami that killed thousands, and wiped out the majority of their coastline in a few horrific hours.
The impact still lingers. A government that has known division, a country with simmering ethnic conflicts, and a people who want to find a way to move on with their life, is the legacy that remains. Despite the billions given in Aid worldwide, it seems that little reached the people of Sri Lanka who needed it most.
Corruption, over-caution, miss-management, fear, factions in government - there were many allegations. Sufficient to say that in the time since those waves of death hit the coast, piles of rubbish still adorn many beaches, wells remain full of sand, and tents are home to those with few options, and even less income. Thousands face an uncertain future.
In co-operation with Melbourne-based Sri Lankan businessman Jerry Perera, who founded 'r2live' in the Tsunami aftermath, Heart Reach Australia is actively developing programs among the refugees, orphans and poorer families in the Ampare region of the East Coast. This continues despite the political changes and frequent unrest.
Sri Lanka as a Nation, has a long and proud history. It figures in the books of Rudyard Kipling and was (as Ceylon) a romantic part of English folklore. But the acceptance of poverty, lack of education, loss of income opportunities and civil instability, are not a fantasy. This is the backdrop to programs and child sponsorships that can build a future for many of those impacted by poverty or the Tsunami.
Update March 2010
After an horrific internal struggle, the Sri Lankan government has claimed "peace". However, this "peace" has come at terrible cost.
Many of the Tamils were killed or labelled "terrorists", even though they were simply people wanting to have freedom to live and work according to their cultural tradition, as they have for many generations. The fighting and turmoil impacted HRA’s aid activities, hampering travel and the distribution of much-needed aid and supplies.
The weaving program continues, as do the educational efforts, and the building programs where funding and/or supplies allow. We are still hopeful of increasing our activities throughout 2010 and beyond. At the very least HRA will continue with the existing Sri Lanka programs.
For more details, please see our A Reason To Live page.