The Asian tsunami on the 26th December 2004 killed over 40,000 people in Sri Lanka. Thousands of those missing were never recovered. Many of the small, coastal villages in southern and eastern Sri Lanka were completely destroyed.
Over a million people were left homeless. Thousands were destitute. “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” has been active since the day of the disaster and we continue to provide support, rehabilitation, nutrition, education and shelter to those affected by the disaster.
"No one can do everything, but every one can do something"
MEET OUR TEAM
Adjith is the RSL accountant. Calm, efficient and measured, he is one our most valuable assets! Our inestimable gratitude to you. In addition to these duties Ajith is also project manager for Bataukanththa school building.
Kitsiri – Worked as our translator and was an invaluable help to the boys at 'Sea Beach South' Project.
Mr. Cooray was head of the RSL schools programme. He has worked in the Beruwala educational district for 23 years teaching economics and Sinhala. His wife, Swarna is also a teacher of economics. They have one 25 year old daughter.
Clare Allen Crook - Trustee. Responsible for communications and for operations in Sri Lanka
William Crook ~ Trustee and Treasurer.
Stephen Honour ~ Trustee and Chairman of RSL
Ruth Jones ~ Trustee and Charity Governance Specialist
Mrs Sue Brodie was the assistant to Mr Cooray. Usually resident in Spain, Sue came to Sri Lanka to see how she could help. With no hesitation she was enlisted by RSL and worked tirelessly to improve conditions and facilities for the children in our schools programme.
Sue now owns a beautiful hotel in Bentota called The Waterside.
Callum Boyd was enjoying a gap year before he enlisted to help RSL. He ran the livelihood project in Ambalangoda. He enjoys travelling, particularly in Europe and plays snooker at county level.
Shawn Fernando (US) was the assistant to Sam at “Sea Beach South”. Shawn arrived in Sri Lanka in February 2005 to teach English at a camp in Kahawa and joined RSL in April. Sri Lankan by birth, Shawn grew up in the U.S. where he studied political science and economics. He loves music and has a band “The Cactus”.
Priyantha Gunawardana has helped us to navigate in his country with patience and knowledge. The son of a fisherman, Priyantha grew up with a love of the ocean. He has competed at international level in water sports competitions since 1991. Resident in Sri Lanka he speaks fluent German and English. He was manager for RSL permanent housing project in Hettimulla and RSL livelihood projects and is now Chairman of Rebuilding Foundation at Uragasmanhandiya.
Sam Rowe was on his gap year travels when he found himself en route to Sri Lanka to help RSL in their relief programmes. It wasn’t long before his abilities and strengths were recognised and he was enlisted as project manager for “Sea Beach South” temporary housing in Ambalangoda. He is studying medecine at Exeter University. The work done by Sam at Ambalangoda is one of RSLs most outstanding “emergency phase” projects. Since 2005 Sam has returned twice to volunteer for RSL. He is a star!
Aruni Cooray is Mr. Coorays neice. She is an exceptional young woman who managed to juggle her studies with various administrative duties for RSL. She is now manager of The Rainbow Centre.
Caroline Goody (27) and Simon Rowe (21) pictured here with Ashan Malasekera of TDA (centre) volunteered to help RSL down in Hambantota. Their dedication and imagination have made an invaluable difference at the Child Resource Centre and the legacy of their hard work will brighten the lives of hundreds of children who attend the centre. Sincere thanks to you both! Both are studying Development Studies at UEA.(check out www.crclanka.com)
Niroshan Fernando is the project manager for RSL English Language School. He is also teaching English at the School. A committed, capable and efficient man.
Harry Barron volunteers as an English teacher for RSL.
An amazing and dedicated man who is making a huge difference to hundreds of children in Sri Lanka.
Richard joined RSL in July 2007 and was instrumental in setting up the technology lab at the new RSL Centre in Uragasmanhandiya. He was an all round brilliant member of the volunteer team and he fulfilled every different task given to him efficiently and happily. We wish him all the luck in the world in his chosen profession as a doctor
