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A home with a difference
By D. C. Ranatunga
Sachith Siriwardena an eight-year old Sri Lankan boy living in America happened to be in Sri Lanka with his mother at the time of the tsunami and was deeply moved at the plight of the people.

Returning to the US, he stood near the school gate with a till and collected US$ 4200. The money was sent to Venerable Tangalle Chandakitti Thera of the Narada Centre. Having spent a few months at the Washington Buddhist Vihara two years ago, the monk had made contact with those who visited the temple. The moment they heard about the monk's mission to help the tsunami victims, they started sending in funds.

S. Samabandu, a young man from Galduwa near Ambalangoda whose hut was washed away, received the first of seven houses that the Dhammadeepa Foundation is building. Father of three young children, Samabandu does not have a regular job.

The Dhammadeepa Foundation had decided to build the houses only where there was clear ownership title. Volunteers from the Foundation started work in mid February. The 600-square foot house is fully furnished with all facilities including electricity, a well and a separate toilet.

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