Safe and dignified housing has long been a critical need for families in post-conflict communities across Northern Sri Lanka. In Mullivaikkal, located in the Mullaitivu District, two families had been living for years in unfinished and unsafe houses, unable to complete essential construction due to long-term economic hardship and the lasting impacts of conflict.
These vulnerabilities were further compounded when Cyclone Ditwah caused additional damage to already fragile structures. Thankfully, through swift action by our team and local construction crews, immediate risks were mitigated and further deterioration was prevented through our phase 3 Cyclone Ditwah response.
Under Vanni Hope’s Shelter for Life initiative, and through a partnership with Berendina, these two home renovation projects were successfully completed. The Sanjeev Alfred Family generously sponsored Vanni Hope’s portion of the work, making these projects possible.
Home Repair & Renovation for R. Ramakrishnan’s Family
Home Repair & Renovation for R. Ramakrishnan’s FamilyR. Ramakrishnan, a resident of Mullivaikkal West, Maritimepattu, lives with his wife and their young daughter. Both Ramakrishnan and his wife live with cerebral palsy, and together they have been raising their child while navigating significant physical and financial challenges.
In 2018, the family received a house under a previous government housing scheme, but due to financial constraints and limited capacity to complete construction independently, the house remained unfinished for years. It lacked proper doors and windows, had incomplete flooring, and did not include a functional toilet, forcing the family to rely on a neighbour’s latrine. These conditions posed serious safety and health risks, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Cyclone Ditwah caused further damage to the already incomplete structure. Following assessment by our field team, immediate stabilisation work was carried out, and the renovation was completed soon after.
The completed work included carpentry, flooring, roofing, and sanitation improvements. As a result, the family now lives in a safe, secure, and dignified home that supports their mobility needs and provides long-term stability for their daughter.
Home Repair & Renovation for S. Subaskaran’s Family
Home Repair & Renovation for S. Subaskaran’s FamilyS. Subaskaran, from Mullivaikkal East, Maritimepattu, lives with his wife and three children. He earns a living as a daily wage worker in the fishing industry and lives with a gunshot injury sustained during the final stages of the conflict. One of his sons lives with a disability and attends a Disabled Home for his education.
The family received a permanent house in 2013 under the Indian Normal House Scheme. However, due to previous government financial hardship, construction remained incomplete. The deteriorating wooden roof posed a serious safety risk, particularly during heavy rainfall.
Cyclone Ditwah placed further strain on the structure, increasing the urgency for repairs. Immediate mitigation work was carried out by our team before the renovation was completed.
With Berendina covering a portion of the costs, and Vanni Hope’s contribution sponsored again by the Sanjeev Alfred Family, essential roof repairs, carpentry, and structural improvements were completed. The home is now weather-resistant, safe, and suitable for a family with complex needs.
A Meaningful Partnership, With More to Come
A Meaningful Partnership, With More to ComeThese two completed projects marked the first partnership between Vanni Hope and Berendina under our Shelter for Life initiative. We are grateful for Berendina’s collaboration and technical expertise, and we look forward to many more joint initiatives that strengthen housing security for vulnerable families across Sri Lanka.
Shelter for Life is not simply about construction. It is about restoring dignity, safety, and peace of mind for families who have endured years of hardship.
We sincerely thank Berendina and the Sanjeev Alfred Family for making these completed projects possible and for standing with families in Mullaitivu as they rebuild their lives.
