Study on regional differences in permanent housing reconstruction process in Sri Lanka after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

Abstract

The Sumatra Tsunami crossed the Indian Ocean on 26th of December 2004 and damaged more than 90,000 houses in Sri Lanka. Following the tsunami, the Government decided to provide three types of houses for the victims (temporary shelters, transitional houses, and permanent houses) according to the stage of reconstruction. Most permanent houses were donated by non-government organizations on the sites supplied by the Government. However, there are regional differences among the affected areas. We conducted a field survey and interviews in the damaged area in November 2005 and March 2006 in the period when the permanent houses were under construction. This paper describes the reconstruction status, regional differences, and problems with regards to the reconstruction process in Sri Lanka.

A study of housing reconstruction and social cohesion among conflict and tsunami affected communities in Sri Lanka

“…While suffering from protracted ethnic conflict from 1983 to 2009, Sri Lanka was hit by the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004. The tsunami damaged more than 95,000 houses (Nakazato and Murao, 2007). Moreover, by the end of the war in 2009, 280,000 people were internally displaced (UCPD, 2015).…”

“…There was a trend for central government to concentrate on housing development in the south, while leaving the north and east to donors and local governments. According to Nakazato and Murao (2007) there were clearly regional biases in housing reconstruction after the tsunami. Compared to southern areas, reconstruction in north-eastern areas were far below the required level.…”

Challenges of Disaster Relief Housing: Evaluating Coastal Domestic Typologies in Eastern Sri Lanka

“…Across Sri Lanka, the death toll surpassed 31,000, with 516,150 people displaced by the initial tidal wave or ensuing flooding. 1,2 The financial need for housing reconstruction was estimated at US$487 million, which was primarily contributed by international agencies mobilized after the disaster and distributed through owner-driven and donor-driven housing reconstruction programs. 3,4 BACKGROUND Ethnic Conflict, Natural Disaster…”