As a consequence of the tsunami waves, experienced on 26th December 2004, over 2/3rd of Sri Lanka's coastal areas were destroyed. Over 40,000 persons lost their lives, 850,000 people lost housing and properties. Billions were lost! Sri Lanka's economic activity was heavily affected: over 75% of the fishing industry destroyed and the tourist industry suffered destruction of hotels, infrastructure, as well as the impact of lost tourism.

The damages caused by the tsunami to ten Asian countries and two Eastern African countries is identified as the greatest natural disaster the world has seen in recent history. Sri Lanka is one of the worst affected countries.

It is acknowledged that the respective governments of the affected countries cannot handle the rehabilitation work on their own due to the magnitude of the devastation and the complexity of the rehabilitation efforts required. It is essential that the private sector contributes to these efforts and international assistance is sought.

This project presents you a Belgian-Srilankan initiative, which started on 26th December 2004, with the purpose to rebuild the 60km coastal stretch between Galle and Matara, in the South of Sri Lanka.