The ‘Sivanthivu’ island in Batticaloa faced the full wrath of the tsunami on that fateful morning of 26th December 2004, due to its inescapable geological positioning; surrounded by three lagoons and exposed to the sea from the other side.

This small fishing community of 306 families, mostly fishermen, was reduced to just 285 with many losing everything they possessed – especially their fishing gear – the support system for their main livelihood. The fishermen lost 4 sea boats, 85 sea canoes, 28 lagoon canoes and 400 fishing nets.  They needed immediate assistance to resume their livelihood.

Mr. Alan Hutchison and his son Harry, visited many tsunami affected areas and felt that Sivanthivu was an ideal project for them to finance particularly as it had not received any help.  They raised all the funds required for the project using their personal resources as well as support from the friends in the UK.

The Hirdaramani Group helped coordinate this project.  Our team comprised of Nikhil Hirdaramani, Poorna Liyanage, Dinuka De Silva, Nishan Gunasekara, Deshika Fernando and Renuka Basnayake.  Many long and arduous trips were made to the region to liaise with the beneficiaries of the boats and the boat/canoe manufacturers, despite the bad weather and imminent danger in the area. 

All the boats and canoes meet the safety standards specified by the UN and the Government, making them safe and sea-worthy. 

On May 27th, the project was finally completed with all boats, canoes and nets being handed over.  Mr. Hutchinson’s representative, Rev. Fr. Yogaraja, received the boats from the boat manufacturer, Mr. Sunil Keerthi.  Poorna Liyanage from our office was also present to ensure that the handing over went smoothly.

This project has been very satisfactory to all those involved in it. We are glad that the people of Sivanthivu can now gradually get their lives back on track. A big “thank you” to Alan and his friends, for putting a whole community back on its feet!