The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) of Japan to build infrastructure and provide psychosocial support to a tsunami-affected community in Galle district.

AAR has already identified a site to build permanent houses for 30 families from Morahenpitigoda, a small village in Habaraduwa DS division, which was badly hit by the tsunami.

It is working with a local partner, the Green Movement of Sri Lanka (GMSL), to develop plans for establishing the new community in the Imaduwa DS division, the IOM said. IOM will channel funds from the Government of Japan to build a community centre and install playground equipment. Funds will also be allocated to organise recreational, cultural, educational and social activities for the new community in order to promote their psychosocial wellbeing.

The idea behind the project is that mobilising the wider community and engaging them in group activities will help strengthen social bonds. The activities will also help people cope with the psychological effects of the tsunami and the additional burden of moving to a new location.