We are constructing a village in Puttalam, Sri Lanka in memory of our son, Sheik Iliyas Issadeen. This will have a total of 40 house for the displaced and homeless people of the area. The initial project, for 20 houses, is nearing completion. A further 20 houses are planned in the next phase.
The site is ideally located within a short walking distance of the main bus road connecting Puttalam and Colombo. The Puttalam city limits is about 4 km away and is easily accessible by bicycle on a flat paved road. Hospitals and other emergency services are all located within the Puttalam city precincts.
This is the very first project of this kind anywhere in Sri Lanka, undertaken by a private individual without any assistance from others.
Work has progressed to a point where the roofs for the 20 house are complete. We are not proceeding at the planned pace due to the difficulty in securing materials. Currently power cannot be connected to the 20 homes as we are waiting for the Electricity Board to bring the power cables into the site and to each house.
We purchased the site in 2020 and commenced construction from May 2022 after the Building Application was approved. The assistance given by the Puttalam Urban Council and related Authorities Having Jurisdiction in obtaining approval for this project is gratefully acknowledged.
The houses will be given to the tenants on a 5 year Rent Free lease. We decided that it was not wise to transfer the homes to their names as they would sell it and end up living on the streets again. The selection process is being done by a legal professional. She compiled a questionnaire for the applicants. Selection was done in a fair manner and none of those selected to receive the houses have any connection with our family or friends.
Each house will have a toilet, kitchen, city power, running water and sewage. All planned to ensure the people can live in comfort without the burden of rent. Each house will have a coconut tree or two and will be a nano source of income for the people living in these homes. There will be enough open space to grow vegetables and to keep a few chickens. We have also arranged a self help projects for those who are unable to work. It is simple but labour intensive work and pays well. The residents can work from home and earn an income.
Senior Project Director: Al Haj. Naushard A. Issadeen