In October 2006 construction of the Weligama
Community Education and training Centre got
underway. It is expected to be completed in
April 2007.
Tony Matharu, chairman of Trustees for IODR
commented that it was 'fantastic to see the
plan and ambitious of the Weligama Community
Welfare & Education Centre starting to become
a reality.'
Appointment of IODR Country Director and Programme Manager for Sri Lanka
Matthew Banks and Leone Ellis have been appointed as Country Director and Children's Programme Manager respectively for the Weligama project in southern Sri Lanka. Both Matthew and Leone have several years working for humanitarian organisations and IODR are pleased to have recruited them.
Matthew commented that "Sri Lankan's have suffered tremendously as a result of war and natural disasters in recent times. As the post-tsunami reconstruction programmes start to wind down and emergency response organisations downsize their operations, now is a good time to start rebuilding the capacity of the people and their communities in order that they can sustain themselves in the long term.
Additionally the increasingly volatile situation in the north and the east of the country means various conflict-related needs will arise in terms of trauma management and children's services. The site at Weligama provides a fantastic opportunity to provide a range of resources that will build capacity and meet the various identified needs.
We are really pleased to be part of IODR and cannot wait to start delivering successful and sustainable programmes in a world-class facility at Weligama."
