Sri Lankan homes in small villages typically
have separate kitchens and restrooms from the
main living quarters, Mr. Benjamin says.
Without compromising the traditional layout,
project leaders improved upon the design by
continuing the roofline between the different
areas of the home, he says. The open courtyard area is now an ideal place for fishermen
to mend their nets, he explains.
e w
Earthen blocks of compressed soil were used instead of cement or kiln-fired
blocks to keep the homes cool during Kirinda’s long dry season, Mr. Bay says.
“Fishermen and farmers cannot afford air conditioners,” he says. “We designed a
home that takes advantage of natural airflows through the home.”
h
Mr. Benjamin, a
Christian, often met
with a local Buddhist
monk from the Kirinda
Temple to share con-
versation over tea and
cake. “He accepted me.
He believed me. He
knew I was a neutral
person.” It was one-
on-one interactions of
that kind that helped
build relationships with
the community. And as a
testament to the spirit of the
project, a Buddhist leader and
an Islamic leader shared the
stage at the handover ceremony.
US$1.2 million
Amount of money
raised for the project
26 December
2004
Tsunami
strikes
Southeast
Asia.
31 December
2004
Project Kirinda
launches.
8 June 2005
Initial
construction
begins.
September
2005
Two model
homes are
completed.
January 2006
Walls rise on
nearly 30
homes.
Installation
begins on
drainage
systems
around homes.
May 2006
Electricity and
water supply
are
implemented.
February
2007
Plans are
drawn for
sidewalks,
pavements and
drains on the
main road and
bylanes.
February
2009
Forty-five
homes are
completed.