Sri Lanka was devastated by the tsunami that struck December 26, 2004. Our country suffered 41,008 dead, 4,916 missing, 12,482 injured and 889,175 displaced. More than 40,000 houses were lost. A large proportion of those affected by the disaster were from the poorest stratum of society. Even today, tens of thousands of tsunami victims have not recovered and face a bleak future with the loss of personal property and incomes.

Kalutara is a poor beach town 40 kilometers south of Colombo. The town was struck with savage force and without warning. One child lost his life, and over 100 homes of EACT families were damaged beyond repair.

The villagers' needs for food, clothing, drinking water and livelihood were taken care of by a band of volunteers who assist us with EACT. For over three years, the homeless lived with relatives and in refugee camps. Some took shelter in the building we rented for the English and IT School.

In order to keep the EACT families from being disbursed, Dr. Pramilla Senanayake purchased land with her own funds. A generous contribution from the Clinton Foundation and other private donors enabled EACT to construct 48 houses for the families who lost their homes. In the Spring of 2008, the familes moved into the houses, and our new village came to life. This was all accomplished without government assistance.