HSBC-funded community centre for tsunami affected village

The Centre

The Hermann Gmeiner (SOS) Social Centre, a US$550,000 post-tsunami project funded by HSBC was recently opened at Peraliya in southern Sri Lanka. Set up and operated by SOS, the 1 ½ acre complex includes two kindergarten classrooms, a computer lab, a library, a medical centre, an open hall and office, the bank said. Although officially opened recently, the first programme at the centre, The Family Strengthening Programme (FSP), commenced last March.

The survey to identify families and children for the FSP was conducted while the construction work was in progress. Most of the families in the area depend on a seasonal income through fishing and struggle to make ends meet.