3 Shelter for Life Homes Opened in Nasivanthivu, Batticaloa District

We are proud to announce the successful completion and opening of three permanent homes under our Shelter for Life Project in Nasivanthivu Village, Valaichchenai Divisional Secretariat Division, Batticaloa District.

These homes were fully sponsored by the Engineers Charity Fund Australia and implemented by Vanni Hope in partnership with our friends at Anbaalayam. The official opening was attended by the Grama Niladhari, the Development Officer, and members of the local community, underscoring the unity and shared commitment to uplifting vulnerable families.

A Remote and Underserved Community

Nasivanthivu is a remote interior village in the Valaichchenai area of Batticaloa District, where many families have long lived in unsafe and substandard temporary shelters. Field assessments conducted jointly by Vanni Hope and Anbaalayam identified households living in fragile huts without proper roofing, sanitation, or protection from weather conditions.

For these families, secure housing was not simply a structure, but a foundation for dignity, safety, and long-term stability.

The Three Beneficiary Families

Gnanachandran Siyamala and Family

Gnanachandran Siyamala and his family of four had been living in a small, makeshift hut in Nasivanthivu for many years. The structure offered little protection from heavy rains, strong winds, or extreme heat. During monsoon seasons, water would seep into their living space, damaging belongings and creating unsafe conditions for the family.

As a daily wage labourer, Mr Siyamala’s work was irregular and physically demanding, making it difficult to secure a stable income or save towards improving their home. Having endured the long-term impacts of conflict and displacement, the family carried both economic and emotional burdens. Without safe housing, daily life was marked by uncertainty and vulnerability. A permanent home was not simply a shelter, but a foundation for security, dignity, and stability.

Katheerkamathamby Sanchutha and Her Children

Katheerkamathamby Sanchutha leads her household with strength and resilience as a woman-headed family. Living in a fragile hut made from temporary materials, she and her children faced constant concerns about safety, privacy, and protection from the elements. The structure did not meet basic living standards, and even minor weather changes posed serious risks.

With limited employment opportunities and the responsibility of caring for her family alone, Ms. Sanchutha navigated daily hardship while striving to provide stability for her children. The lack of secure housing added emotional stress to an already challenging situation. A permanent home provides more than walls and a roof, it offers safety, reassurance, and a renewed sense of hope for the future.

Seenithamby Vijeyakumar and Family

Seenithamby Vijeyakumar and his family had been residing in a temporary structure that offered minimal protection and comfort. The house lacked durability and adequate facilities, making everyday living difficult. Despite facing ongoing financial hardship, the family placed strong emphasis on education and perseverance.

Their daughter’s success in passing her A Level examinations with strong results reflected the family’s determination to pursue opportunity despite adversity. However, studying and preparing for examinations while living in unstable housing conditions created significant challenges. A permanent home now provides a secure environment where their children can focus on education and future aspirations without the daily stress of unsafe living conditions.

Safe and Durable Homes Built for the Future

Each completed home measures approximately 533 square feet and includes 2 bedrooms, a living hall, a kitchen, and toilet facilities. Built with brick or concrete block walls, concrete flooring, and durable roofing materials, these houses provide long-term protection, safety, and improved living standards.

The implementation followed a structured process that included material procurement, construction monitoring, community participation, and a formal handover. This approach ensured transparency, accountability, and strong community ownership.

The Strength of Partnership

At Vanni Hope, we are firm believers in collaboration. We are delighted to have partnered with Anbaalayam on this Shelter for Life initiative. Their field engagement and dedication to vulnerable families were crucial to the project’s success. We sincerely thank the Anbaalayam team for their tireless efforts.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Engineers Charity Fund Australia for sponsoring these three homes. Their generosity has provided lasting security and dignity to three families in Nasivanthivu.

A Community United

The presence of the Grama Niladhari, the Development Officer, and local community members at the opening ceremony conveyed a powerful message. When local leadership, community stakeholders, sponsors, and organisations work together, sustainable change becomes possible.

Through Shelter for Life, Vanni Hope continues to restore dignity, strengthen families, and build resilient communities across Sri Lanka.

Watch the Full Video Coverage Below