China reaches out to Aranayake homeless
Eight months after the devastating landslide at Samasara Hill in Aranayake, Kegalle, that killed 127 persons, many of those displaced still continue to languish in several temporary camps.
According to statistics provided by the Aranayake Pradeshiya Sabha, the displaced are accommodated in two camps. 571 displaced families live in temperory shelters at one camp, while 136 others have found accommodation with relatives. Another 200 persons are housed in 50 tents at a camp for displaced persons set up at the Ussapitiya grounds.
People at the camp expressed their frustration at having to live for so long in temporary shelters. They said the tents were far too humid during the day and are subject to flooding whenever it rains.
The toilets too often overflowed, they added. Another problem worrying parents was the education of their children.
The school in Hathgampola, which many of the children attended, is situated around eight kilometres away.
However all is not lost.
This week the Chinese Government began constructing the “Aranayake China-Sri Lanka Friendship village.” The US$1.5 million (Rs.22.5 billion) will provide houses to the families affected by the landslide. The first 60 houses are expected to be completed and handed over before the end of the year.