"I am going to be brave and bring up the two children who had survived. Life has to go on"

“We are discussing the matter with some Nayake Theros of local temples where we are planning to house the people. Most of the refugees are living in schools at the moment.” Says the GA.

“Building new premises is also taking time due to lack of skilled workers in the area.”He added.

CM Hendawitharana is a victim of the tsunami. She is fed up with living in the camp. “First thing we need is a place to live. Then we can rebuild our lives.”

Even when the schools begin, there may be other problems rising from the trauma.

Another victim SH Ransina Manohari, talks about the difficulties faced by her daughter. “She is afraid to go to school. She thinks the water is going to come back. Now we are thinking of finding a school away from the sea.”

Melani Anne Nicholas had lost her husband and two of her children. She is determined not to be intimidated by the tragedy. “What has happened has happened, and we can’t change the past. I am going to be brave and bring up the two children who had survived. Life has to go on.”

Some untrained NGO workers have become a hindrance not help, say Praneeth Pieris, the manager of the refugee camp at kithulewala Maha Viharaya.

“There are so many different people coming from different organisations. These people claim to do counselling. But they appear one after the other. The victims have to repeat themselves over and over again. They do not want to relive this trauma. So they resent these people’s insensitivity” Says Praneeth Pieris.

Add your voice to the series by sending your comments using the above form.