Today, Anna, Aimee and I visited the school funded by Project Sri Lanka 2007 in Rassendeniye.We were greeted by a class of just four children out of a usual fifteen. The reason for this was that a rumour had been circulating in the region of a second tsunami so many families fled their costal homes for the hill country out of fear of witnessing a second catastrophe. This reaction to a rumour that has been sighted on websites such as ‘urbanlegends.com’ shows that the trauma of the 2004 disaster is still fresh in Sri Lankan people’s minds. Reason had become irrelevant, as there is no scientific or geological way of detecting a potential tsunami until four hours before it hits. This highlights how although buildings and livelihoods have been restored and rebuilt, the 2004 tsunami has left a significant imprint in people’s lives.

The original school building in Rassendeniye received damage to the roof as well as flooding damage to the floors and the back of the building. Prior to Project Sri Lanka, there was much difficulty in receiving funding to repair the damage caused by the tsunami. Now, the school has a bright and friendly atmosphere with an inspirational and energetic teacher who is extremely welcoming and happy to have us visit the school. Mrs. Felicitia shows great strength and dedication to the school through her tireless efforts to get funding for the school as well as repairing damage that was caused to her own home.

We are all very much looking forward to spending more time in Rassendeniye in the coming weeks, and hopefully next week there shall be a fuller class as families return to their homes safely.