The Social Justice and Relief & Development Commission (Alliance Development Trust) comprises of seven sectors within the mandate of the Commission.

1. Disaster Preparedness and Response
2. Livelihood Development and Vocational Training
3. Shelter and Infrastructural Development
4. Children and Psychosocial Support
5. Water and Sanitation
6. Peace & Reconciliation
7. Project Positive

Alliance Development Trust – Tsunami Recovery Operational Areas

In the aftermath of the Tsunami disaster, a massive emergency response was launched in 11 affected Districts. Our response went beyond emergency relief; to sustainable development and disaster preparedness. The deteriorating security situation prevented the implementation and continuation of many projects and activities.

The closure of the A9 road to Jaffna and closure of the A15 from Valachenai to Vaharai created a humanitarian crisis of such magnitude, the displacement and suffering caused by the previous two decades of civil war in the country paled in comparison.  

The torrential rain that lashed many parts of the country, floods and landslides which caused a huge natural disaster during the latter part of 2006, saw us engage in emergency relief in affected areas, involving the communities in long term disaster preparedness efforts with community participation.

a) Relief for Tsunami affected  - 58,000 children assisted
By the beginning of 2006, ADT supported 3,000 Tsunami affected children in the North East with basic school supplies, school bag, books, drink bottle and shoes.  A total of 1,180 children from the North and 1,820 children from the East, (totaling 3000) received school packs, enabling them to return to school. In total, NCEASL has assisted 58,000 children to return to school.

b) Relief for the war affected
2006 saw the escalation of fighting and a return to ‘undeclared’ war. According to estimates, over 300,000 people were internally

displaced and over 16,000 have fled to South India as refugees. The food crisis in the Jaffna peninsula affected over half a million people, who were left with no access to food or basic medicines. For the first time in Sri Lanka , there were stories of people dying of hunger.
ADT responded to the emergency needs of the affected communities, beyond ethnic and religious boundaries. The regional presence through our offices and the net work of regional clergy fellowships added strength to the effective response in these areas

i) Dry Rations Family Packs - We impacted over 7,000 families with food and essentials. Our relief efforts in some areas were hampered by restricted access and the non availability of food items in some local markets.

However, in spite of obstacles, relief distribution was carried out in Batticaloa (Kathiraveli, Vaharai, and Valachnai), Jaffna peninsula, Trincomalee (Muthur and Kanthalai), Mannar, Vavunia, Putlam (Udappu) and Kabeithigollawa, assisting affected Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala communities.   

DRY Rations Family Pack

ii) Infant formula & Milk - Special emphasis was given to the needs of war affected children. In Mannar and Trincomalee, infant formula and milk powder was distributed among families with children. Over 1,200 packs of toys were also distributed among displaced children from Muthur, Trincomalee and Batticaloa.

iii) School supplies - Over 2,700 schools packs were distributed by end of 2006. By early 2007 another 3,000 packs will be distributed among the displaced children. The specially designed exercise books will carry the message “give peace a chance” - as part of the NCEASL peace building effort, spreading the message of peace among children.

C) Flood Relief
Disaster preparedness and emergency relief activities were carried out in the Gampaha District. Flood affected children in the Wattala area were given toy packs and school bags and supplies. An on-going disaster mitigation response plan is being implemented in Wattala, Ja-Ela and Chilaw.  

Medical Camps – Mobile medical camps were conducted in Chikungunia in Jaffna with the assistance of local medical professionals. The effort was praised by the local civil authorities and churches. Medical camps were also initiated in other flood affected areas such as Watlala.         Top

The main objective of the ADT livelihood development and vocational training program is to provide sustainable livelihood by providing institutional support strategies with easy access to financial and training resources, to improve and empower communities to become self reliant and self supporting.
Our livelihood projects have impacted 2493 Tsunami affected families.
Major livelihood development and vocational training activities

a)      Livelihood Grant Projects – Seed capital assistance for livelihood recovery for Tsunami affected communities.

b)      Micro Credit assistance for small business development

c)      Day boats and Multi day Boat Projects.

d)      Catamaran Projects

e)      Vocational Training Institutes

Over 1,250 families have benefited through livelihood projects in 2006. In 2005, we assisted another 1,350 families.
The ADT post tsunami recovery projects have benefited a total of over 2,600 families. 

a) Livelihood Grant Projects

791 families who lost their income due to the Tsunami or War were provided with livelihood assistance through grant projects.

Summary of Livelihood Grants - District wise

The following projects have been completed.

Fishing (Nets, Boats, Catamaran and Craft etc) Agriculture, farming (Poultry, Goat, etc), Small business (Vegetable, Soft drinks, Brick making, Grocery, etc), Sewing etc.


 

Our plan was to support 1,400 families in 2006. However, due to the escalation of violence and restriction in humanitarian efforts in North East, the target achievement dropped almost by 45%.

Particularly in Jaffna beneficiaries are unable to make use of their livelihood due to the security situation. Several villages assisted by us have been displaced due to military operation in the areas.   

Priyan is 22 years old. “I live in Kalawanchukudy in Batticaloa. Before the Tsunami destroyed everything I owned, I had business running a small shop selling plastic and aluminum ware on the pavement. Those days I earned about Rs1,000 per day. That was how we lived. The Tsunami washed away everything and I was left with nothing… no way to earn a living and no hope of re starting my business”.

The Alliance Development Trust assisted Nadarajah to re start his business, through a livelihood grant .“Now I am earning what I was earning before Tsunami, thanks to the Alliance Development Trust” says a grateful Nadarajah.

Ranjani is a 52 year old single mother of four, living in Negombo. “I used have a dried fish business, earning about Rs. 5,000/- per month. That was before that fateful day… we were working near the shore, drying about Rs. 50,000 worth of fish. Suddenly the sea roared in and washed everything away… the fish, our home and loved ones. All my efforts to build a future and support my children came to nothing. During the first 18 months after the Tsunami, no government agency or NGO came to our help. Then ADT came to our village and helped us. They helped me to re-build my fish business. Now, I am working again, and earning enough to support my 4 children”. 

b) Micro Credit assistance for small business development
This project was initiated by mobilizing and empowering the communities to take responsibility for their own development through

community based organizations.

Identified beneficiaries were encouraged to identify their skills and provided with loans to start their livelihood activities. Beneficiaries were also introduced to the habits of saving. In the reporting year, ADT has supported over 300 families in Jaffna , Batticaloa and Gampha Districts.

The expansion of this project suffered greatly due to the situation in the North and East. The project was implemented in partnership with like minded organizations and local churches.

Malkanthi is a widow living in Wattala. She lived with her son and daughter until her daughter got married and moved away. Her son got addicted to drugs and would not help her in any way. The wooden house in which they lived badly needed repair. On rainy days the rain leaks through the roof, drenching their meager belongings. Kanthi had little money to buy food. Repairing the roof was beyond her.

ADT recognized that Kanthi’s needs extended beyond the leaking roof. She was selected to receive micro credit assistance to set up a small business by purchasing a sewing machine and raw material. She now sews carpets and floor rugs. Her business brings in a substantial income which paid for the repair of the roof and her day to day needs.  

c) Day boats and Multi-day boat projects.

DAY BOATS – The post Tsunami livelihood recovery target was 250 boats and engines for Tsunami affected communities. The Boat Project helped to rehabilitate and re-establish the livelihoods of the fisherman in the Jaffna and Mullaitivu Districts.

In 2005 and 2006, the security situation in North had a direct impact on the availability of raw material, labour, transportation and access. Due to these difficulties, only 204 boats were completed and distributed to affected families.  

In 2006, 75 boats and fishing gear were distributed to Tsunami affected families in Thalayadi and Karainagar.  

ADT also undertook a project with FAO to provide 100 boats to fishermen affected by the Tsunami in the Mullathivu District. It was with much difficulty that 50 boats were distributed among the beneficiaries under this project. The rest of the boats could not be transported to Mulaithivu due to the closure of A9 road, and are stranded at the boat yard in Jaffna .   

George lives in Jaffna . “I am a fisherman by profession. I owned a boat with two types of nets which enabled me to earn a monthly income of Rs. 5,000. The Tsunami swept away my boat and all my possessions. My family moved into a refugee camp. We are very thankful to ADT for giving us a boat, nets and an engine to continue our livelihood” said Jeevanesan. “Now I am able to live a normal life and earn an income as in the past”.  

NOTE: Since the resumption of hostilities and military operations in the Jaffna Peninsula , Jeevanesan and the other beneficiaries of the boat projects are enduring many hardships. All the coastal areas in Jafna have been declared high security zones, and fisher communities are left without a livelihood once again.

MULTI-DAY BOATS 

The Multiday Boats are larger vessels over 28 feet long, with high powered engines, used for deep sea fishing. It is equipped with facilities for the crew to stay at sea for several days. A boat cost over Rs. 3 million. ADT launched two projects – in Matara in the South and in Pothuvil in the Eastern Province .  

The beneficiaries form a community based organization and it is registered as a society. The boat and accessories are given on a soft loan basis and beneficiaries are expected to repay the capital cost. The recovery will be re invested in the community for further community development projects.

d) Katamaran Project  

This is a traditional costal fishing craft, widely used in many parts of costal Sri Lanka . Due to the conflict and security restrictions, in some areas such as in Point Pedro, fishing is allowed within certain limits. According to fishermen, only Katumarans are allowed for fishing in those areas.  

ADT was able to select 25 families and support then with Katumarans, nets and engines for their livelihood. 

Mr. Gnanaprakasam Antonipullai is the Union President of Palai North Fishermen’s Society.  “In June 1990, we were among 507 families displaced from Palali North. We sought safety in other parts of Jaffna . During this time we experienced indescribable hardships. We lived in makeshift shelters. We did not have a proper income. I did odd jobs to support my families”.

“For over 16 years, we have not been able to go back to our village. Most of the children have never seen their villages. The Tsunami worsened our situation; we lost 75 lives, 57 of them were children. All our belongings and Kattamarans were washed away. We were affected physically and mentally… little relief came our way during the past 16 years of suffering.  But, now we are blessed with 25 new catamarans complete with fishing-gear and engines from Alliance Development Trust, by which we will rebuild our future for our families”.  

Julius is a fisherman. He shares his story, “Before my marriage I spent nearly 12 years in the Welikada prison in Colombo , without any inquiry. I was arrested under the emergency laws on suspicion.  While I was in prison, I became a Christian. After being released from prison, I was engaged in fishing. When the Tsunami struck our village, I was not at home. When I rushed home, our house lay in ruins. I was distraught thinking that my child and wife were dead. I saw my baby’s feeding bottle on the ground, I started sobbing uncontrollably. I don’t know how that little bottle survived the fury of the waves, when most of our house was swept away. Later that night, I heard that my wife and child were in a Church. I was almost too afraid to rejoice! I ran there and to my relief there were there, alive!” Suthakar’s face breaks in to a wide grin, “Now I am living happily with my family. ADT provided me with a catamaran that helped me to get back to fishing. This has given me strength, knowing that I have a way of earning and providing for my precious family. It has also given me hope, to build a better life and a future for my child”.    Top
 

Amanthanaveli (Batticaloa)
In the initial stage many of the International and non governmental organizations were not interested in reaching out to the village

of Amanthanaveli , due to its distant location and the political climate in this area. ADT selected 250 families from this area, who were affected by the Tsunami, identifying the holistic needs of the community rather than just building houses.  

Of the 250 houses, 125 have been completed and 75 houses were constructed and handed over to the community. It was agreed to build 320 square foot houses, with one bedroom, toilet, sitting area and kitchen facility, with provision to extend the house another 200 square feet, when the families are able to do so with their own resources. Further, we are planning to work with these families to improve their livelihood by engaging them in livelihood recovery activities.

Due to the prevailing situation in the area, the construction work has been suspended.  

NOTE: We understand that the Amanthanaveli villagers are again displaced due to the recent fighting in the East, just months after they moved in to their new homes.  

Kallar (Batticaloa)
ADT under took construction of 475 fully damaged houses and 190 partly damaged houses. This project was initiated as an owner driven project (ODP) where the Government agreed to provide Rs. 250,000 per house to the beneficiaries and ADT matched this with a grant of Rs. 250,000 per house.  

During the reporting period, we worked closely with the communities, empowering them to initiate construction. A total of 362

families have benefited from the project to date. It is anticipated that this project will provide shelters for over 1,500 people in the Kallar community.  Most of the families who are benefiting through this project were directly affected by the Tsunami and have lost immediate family members, including the bread winner of the family.  

The housing designs are custom made, based on the family’s need and resource availability.  Some of the families contributed additional funds through loans and other means.  

52 families have completed repair of their partly damaged houses. Of the completely damaged houses, 70% have been constructed (190).

Walahanduwa  ( Galle )
Under the relocation programme, the government provided land for 23 Tsunami affected families and 600 square foot houses were built for each family.

Due to the torrential rain and delays in preparation of land, construction was delayed by nearly four months. In July 2006, all 23 houses were handed over to the beneficiaries. The local Dutch Reformed church was involved in the project and continued development work is being carried out through the ADT Southern office, with the community.

Dadalla ( Galle )
In total, ADT constructed housed for 11 families in total. Of this number, 5 houses were constructed in partnership with Dutch Reformed Church which donated land for the affected families.  

Thithagahawatte ( Galle )
25 families were identified and the construction project will be completed this year.  

We are targeting a total of 100 houses in the South.

Point Pedro ( Jaffna )

At the community assessment, it was agreed with the community to build 520 square foot houses with two bedroom, toilet, sitting are and kitchen facility. 59 houses were started under the resettlement project, 25 houses were completed and handed over to the beneficiaries during the reporting period. The rest of the houses are approximately 80% completed. Scarcity of construction materials, escalation of prices and the prevailing security situation has forced us to slow down the work. 11 houses were taken under the high security zone and the construction was suspended.

The Government agreed to provide land for 60 families to be relocated in the area, but unfortunately until now the families have not received the lands to build their houses.  Our aim is to build 100 houses in Jaffna .   

b) Community Centres
Construction of 3 community centres was initiated in the Eastern province, namely in Amanthanaveli, Kallar and Valachchenai. The Valachenai project has been completed in the Alliance Vocational Training Center premises.   Due to the security situation Amanthanaveli construction project has been suspended. The Kallar project will be initiated once a suitable land is identified. Top

During the reporting period, the Alliance Development Trust concentrated on helping children affected by the Tsunami and by the war. The intervention in this regard takes a holistic approach, combining psychosocial activities and child participation in development.  

The psychosocial component - the Change Maker project – focuses on trauma counseling, grief counseling camps and counseling for abused Children. The project further impacts spiritual formation, character building and value transformation of the affected children.  

In the last six months of the reporting period, we continued psychosocial intervention in the affected areas and were able to impact over 3,000 children.  

Over 60 children’s clubs were initiated to support the affected children, facilitated by 52 volunteers and 10 full time staff members.

a) Child Protection Policy
ADT has developed its own Child Protection Policy for volunteers and staff members in order to ensure a safe environment for the children we work with, emphasizing on child rights and child participation in development through training activities.

b) ‘Change Maker’ Activities
BATTICALOA AND AMPARA – Up until June 2006, there were 27 active children’s clubs. However, due to the prevailing situation most of the activities were suspended, considering the safety of the volunteers and staff members.  Some of the clubs were handed over to near by Churches. Presently, 5 clubs are active.

The Children in Valathapity initiated a Rain Water Harvesting Project as the village lacks ground water and other water sources.  

On the Universal Children’s Day Karuwapankerny and Kallar Change Maker clubs conducted art and essay competitions.  

GALLE AND HAMBANTHOTA – There are 6 Change Makers Clubs in Galle and 1 in Hambantota, with a total of 204 children. These

children meet regularly for activities where they can improve and display their talents.    

COLOMBO - Currently there are 2 active clubs in Wattala and Dehiwela for under previlaged children in the areas. The children are trained in educational and recreational activities.  The Universal Children’s Day was celibrated by a Sharamadana to clean their neighbourhood and a Sports Day was organized by the Dehiwela Club. 

JAFFNA – There are 580 children in Children’s Clubs covering 9 villages in Jaffna . Children from Manalkadu initiated their first Children’s park, supported by ADT. A Tree planting project was conducted by the Change Makers Clubs in Sulipuram, Kudathanai and Manalkadu. During the month of October food rations were distributed among the children. Security is a major concern in continuing the activities. Some of the villages have been displaced.  

MULLATHIVU - There were 12 active Children’s Clubs. Unfortunately the prevalent security situation has forced the suspension of all activities, prior to which the children in Muthiyankattu initiated a tree planting campaign.   

TRINCOMALEE - 3 new Change Maker Clubs were initiated in China Bay ; Palaiyoothu and Linganagar, with a total of 185 children. Children have initiated Dengue Fever awareness activities and conducted a special event on Universal Children’s Day.  

VAVUNIA – 10 Change Makers Clubs were established in the region. However, due to the prevalent security situation the activities are scaled down and irregular. A few of the clubs are active, and recreational activities are conducted for the children regularly. The children celebrated the Universal Children’s Day.     Top

The Alliance Development Trust water & sanitation unit’s main concentration has been in Trincomalee. In 2006, assessments were carried out in Batticaloa, Jaffna , Mullathivu, Hambanthota and Gampha Districts; however, due to prevailing situation in the country projects were limited to Trincomalee. The projects in Trincomalee district was expanded considerably with the assistance from US AID.  

A number of training programmes were conducted in on water and sanitation for the staff members and volunteers.

Main activities -

a)  Water Quality Management
      Identified drinking water and other water points are regularly tested and monitored in operational areas in        
      Trincomalee District.

b)     Hygiene & Sanitation Promotion
Hygiene & sanitation Education – School based and community based seminars on water supply, sanitation & hygiene. During the reporting period, 8 such community based seminars have been conducted with the participation of over 400 participants in Trincomalee district.
A number of educational publications were released on water & sanitation for adults and children. These publications are used in the training programs. 

c)      Medrix Installation 
ADT introduced the UV based domestic water purification units in Trincomalee, which are a low cost, locally fabricated UV treatment plants for domestic and small community use. Along with the installation of the units ADT provided special training on fabrication, installation and maintenance of Medrix units. A special publication was released in Tamil on the use of Medrix project. Seminars and practical workshops were conducted to introduce the medrix water purification project.

d)     Retrofit Well
To ensure water purity and to minimize the pollution of open well contamination, we have introduced Retrofit Wells in five schools in Trincomalee. Over 3,000 students are benefiting from this project.

e)     Hand Drilled Boreholes
ADT technical team was trained in providing water facility through borehole wells, In 2006, we initiated 5 tube wells to provide water facilities for more than 100 people at each site, a total of over 500 people.

f)       Cleaning of wells
More than 15 wells have been cleaned periodically by the technicians in Trincomalee & surrounding villages. These wells are being maintained by the team by testing the water quality & treating the water to provide safe water to the community.  

Specialized Workshops  

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER – a three day seminar was organized in partnership with Lanka Bible College , to help 125 Pastors and Christian leaders understand the Biblical principle of post traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and to support and minister to the affected and vulnerable.  

COMMUNITY HEALTH EVANGELISM – a five day Training of Trainers workshop in partnership with Medical Ambassadors International to introduce Church based community development projects where The Church could be involved in holistic mission. 30 trainers were trained.  

HOLISTIC CHILD DEVELOPMENT – a series of seminars on holistic ministry among children in partnership with Lanka Bible College and Compassion International.  

MICRO FINANCE AND LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE – a two day workshop in partnership with Stromme Foundation in micro finance and livelihood approaches in order to train and involve the local Churches in development.  

HIV and AIDS – a two day workshop for young Church leaders on HIV and AIDS in Sri Lanka and the Church’s response.  

PEACE BUILDING – this workshop was conducted to create awareness and involve the Church in peace building efforts and bring reconciliation and understanding between communities.    Top

Activities are aimed at encouraging and facilitating community involvement in effecting change and building bridges between communities, towards a sustainable peace.  

Poster and Post card Campaign

A poster and post card campaign was organized, on the theme ‘GIVE PEACE A CHANCE’. The posters were displayed in all regions and the city of Colombo to mark the anniversary of the cease fire agreement.
Free post cards were distributed among the general public to create awareness.  

Peace Kite Festival
A Kite Festival targeting youth was organized at the Galle Face Green, giving them an opportunity to express their views on peace through kites. This was organized in partnership with the NCC - CJP and YMCA.
There were 143 participants from across the country. It was encouraging to see 14 participants from Jaffna and 40 from Vavuniya. 51 participants arrived from Hendala/Wattala, 18 from Negombo, 11 from Matara and 9 from Moratuwa.
The kites came in all colours, shapes and sizes, with peace messages. For most of the participants it was their first visit to the capital Colombo .

National Reconciliation Conference
The objective of this conference was to challenge the Sinhala and Tamil communities to repent, reconcile and bring restoration between communities. The conference made them examine painful pasts, acknowledging it, understand it and above all overcome it together so that it may never happen again. There were participants from all parts of the country.  

‘Right to Return’ Campaign
NCEASL has assisted the re-settlement of war displaced civilians in Mannar and the Eastern Province and has been advocating justice for IDPs.    Top

Current statistics in Sri Lanka indicates that there are 8,500 adults living with Aids. UNAIDS/WHO statistics indicate that there are over 600 infants living with HIV and AIDS.
We initiated “Project Positive” to bring awareness and education among the general public and Churches on HIV/AIDS.

Cricket tournament - HIV/AIDS awareness programme

A Cricket Match was organized with Youth Groups in Kalutara to create awareness, with the these “Let’s Join together in sports to eradicate HIV/AIDS”.                      

HIV awareness poster Poster campaign.

5,000 posters titled “Vote for the eradication of Aids” were distributed to Pastors  & Fellowships all over the country. As this poster campaign coincided with the Local Government Elections, the message and the visuals in our poster were very topical and memorable. The posters were produced in Sinhala, Tamil and English. 

Community awareness HIV/Aids Brochures
Over 10,000 brochures have been distributed among young people in Tamil and Sinhala with information on HIV and AIDS.

Community awareness HIV/AIDS Taxi Sticker
A sticker campaign was initiated, creating awareness on HIV and AIDS. Over 5,000 stickers were distributed for display on three wheel taxies.  

HIV/AIDS Awareness book for children.
Cartoon books for senior Sunday School students was printed in Sinhala & Tamil. 20,000 copies will be distributed among schools

and Churches.  

Cine slides - HIV/AIDS awareness Advertisement.
We produced cine slides on HIV/AIDS in Sinhala, Tamil & English, with the aim of reaching a large number of people from all age groups and social groups. 100 movie theaters were targeted during the reporting period and paid advertisements were displayed in the theaters during intermission.                                                

HIV/AIDS Awareness seminars.
In the reporting period, 4 awareness seminars were conducted in Minuwangoda, Nuwara Eliya, Matara and Tissamarama with over 400 young people participating.  

HIV/AIDS Sunday.
Churches were encouraged to mark HIV /AIDS Sunday to create awareness among the congregation. A special service was organized at the Salvation Army church in Colombo , in partnership with the Salvation Army, on World Aids Day.    

Local congregations were provided with recourses to organize the worship with special activities to bring the awareness among the congregations.   

Street Drama
Street dramas were performed in Katunayake and Negombo, to create HIV awareness among the vulnerable FTZ worker communities.   Top