Project: Rebuilding the Sambodhi Home for physically and Mentally Challenged children in Galle. Project Co-ordinator: Majella Tarbatt Project Aim: The aim of this project is to rebuild the children's home, which was washed away in the December 26th Tsunami. Project Start Date: March 2005 Project Cost: €780
Deshapriya
Previous to the Tsunami, the Sambodhi home was the sole residence of mentally challenged and physically disabled children, such as Deshapriya, who is wheelchair bound and has been in the home since he was 9 years old. On the morning the Tsunami struck some of the children were watching T.V., while others were resting in their beds. Some of the able bodied children who heard the thunderous noise of the crashing sea ran to the safety of higher ground, but the 43 children who were unable to do were washed away by the sea. Deshapriya travelled as fast as he could on his wheelchair to raise the alarm, but by the time he reached the home, it was too late. He survived the Tsunami by climbing to higher ground.
Sr. Noeline Punchihewa has done her utmost to ensure the surviving children are looked after and rebuilding of the home has commenced with the financial donations raised by Cork Aid to Sri Lanka.
