PITIWELLA CAMP BOOSA                It was on the last two days of A.R.C’s third trip to Sri Lanka that they made a trip to Galle.  On the way they passed a small hut which was sitting of the waters edge. On closer investigation it was discovered that all the people that had been living along that stretch of coastline had moved out of their temporary shelters which had been placed where their own homes had been before the devastating tsunami hit. They were all now too scared to stay by the water. We were told that they had moved up to a temple in Boosa behind the naval base. When we arrived there we were shocked to find about 28 tents/huts which they had put together by themselves as makeshift homes. There were about 124 people and only two toilets one which was completely blocked. As we walked around the camp it was quite apparent that these people had received very little help. A.R.C decided to do an assessment of the camp and find out what was needed. After the assessment was finished A.R.C called all the heads of household to a meeting and spoke to the people. They were told that there were priorty cases which needed to be sorted first but everyone would benefit from some help as long as there was no jealousy or animosity  was shown towards these people who received help first. They were also told that if it was found that the things that they were being given to help them was sold then A.R.C would pull out and help other people who were in the position they were in. A.R.C had now gained the trust of the people on this camp and everyone seemed really happy. Everytime we turned up the children ran to greet us knowing that we had some treats for them. We supplied Mosquito nets for all the tents and firstly we bought a bed for a heavily pregnant woman who had been sleeping on the base of a bed with no mattress. The fishermen all received nets and weights so that they could get their boats back on the water, all the trades men, masons, carpenters all received new drills, tools etc and the women that had lost coir wheels in the tsunami all had new ones. The women who were seamstresses had sewing machines bought so they could start making clothes and sarongs to sell to make a living. The children had new toys to play with and some educational equipment was purchased so they could go back to school. A.R.C attended several meetings with other agencies to ask for help to get water/showers and toilets built. This was never done as the head monk was scared that these people would stay on the temple site and he didn’t want them there permanently. A.R.C continue to visit these people on each trip, but are pleased to say that all 28 families have now been re-housed by the government in permanent homes about 3 kms from Boosa.