WALKER INSPECTS work at a project in Sri Lanka.

By NEIL HORNER
News Reporter

July 20 2007

Two years after a devastating tsunami swept away thousands of people and destroyed homes across the country, much of the world has forgotten about the disaster in Sri Lanka.

But, says Tsunami Haven head Len Walker, relief work continues, albeit mainly out of the media spotlight.

"In one section of the country, the recovery is very satisfactory, almost overkill," Walker said. "In the southern part of Sri Lanka we would see six or seven brand new boats piled against one house, when they only need one per family."

The problem, he said, no longer involves the tsunami, but rather the volatile political situation in the country.

"In the eastern part, where the Tamils live, there were no boats, no fishing nets, and the displaced persons camps were fully occupied," Walker said.

"A lot of the aid sent to Sri Lanka never gets to parts of the country because of politics. We can't get access to the north, where the Tamil Tigers have their stronghold. Due to the political situation, it's hard to get a lot done."

Subsequent disasters, such as the New Orleans hurricane and flood, have taken the media spotlight off Sri Lanka, Walker said, causing additional problems with fundraising and recruitment.

"New Orleans pulled Oprah Winfrey's team out of Sri Lanka, because there was a cause closer to her home," he said. "It's out of the news, out of sight, out of mind."

However, Walker said the situation in the under-assisted parts of the country is dire.

"There is so much need over there, it's amazing," he said.

"We provide a lot of emotional support and we do small things, like installing showers in the camps.

"It cost us $20 to put up a four-person shower, because they had no way to get clean."

Walker, who travelled to Sri Lanka a year ago, plans to return to the country in November to monitor some of the work going on.

As well, he plans to give a slide presentation at the Lions Community Centre in Qualicum Bay at 7 p.m. on July 30 to detail the work Tsunami Haven Projects Society is doing in Sri Lanka. Hosted by the local chapter of The Canadian Society of Questers.