A home away from home
Most of the families residing at the Geekiyanakanda camp have lost their homes, nearly all of their belongings and are patiently waiting to be relocated. Yet their positive spirit is contagious.
Despite the hot weather and basic living conditions, everyone has a smile on their faces. Updates on the current living situation are enthusiastically shared. The camp is built on a sunny plateau, accompanied by a water tank, gender-segregated toilets and washing facilities. The women humorously mention how the male residents have renewed awareness of hygiene as they are now solely responsible for keeping their segregated bathing areas clean. Everyone has access to running water and the tents are connected to individual solar panels, which generate enough electricity for house-hold activities. Each family received a cash grant of LKR 20,000 from Oxfam, Sri Lanka Red Cross and partners, through ECHO funding, most of which was used to support their resettlement at the camp.