Since the devastating tsunami struck the coastal areas of Sri Lanka just over two years ago, there have been mixed reviews about the rehabilitation process reported in the media. On the one hand, it has been said that Sri Lanka experienced two tsunamis, the second being the wave of money that flowed in and allowed people to rebuild their lives and look to the future. But on the other hand, and far more frequently, these stories go untold or are overshadowed by reports of corruption, unfair aid distribution and incompetent international relief organisations.

Far too rarely do we hear of stories that reflect the support and participation of various stakeholders including local level collaborations across ethnic and caste divides, NGOs, INGOs and Government organisations who worked together in the face of immeasurable adversity. Not that the problems or failures that have occurred during the reconstruction and rehabilitation process should be dismissed completely, but it is also important to provide an alternative perspective and balance out the primarily negative coverage that has been dominating the media landscape. Successful collaborations have taken place and these can be replicated in the future, or to put it in the words of Menaha Ilango, a Government veterinary surgeon who was part of a tsunami reconstruction initiative in Trincomalee: “When the work of NGOs compliments the work of the Government, the results are good.”

But above all, bringing these stories to the forefront of the media allows the people of Southern and Eastern Sri Lanka to be portrayed not as victims, but as individuals who have shown extraordinary courage and determination whilst overcoming unimaginable obstacles. Zeena is one such individual. Five months after the death of her husband, and just a week after completing the four month and ten day “Idda” period, where Muslim women remain in their homes following their husband’s death, the tsunami came. It took away her two children and fourteen other members of her family. Homeless, alone and in a state of grief and shock, Zeena had no idea how to even begin picking up the pieces. It was at this time when she heard about an NGO that was particularly concerned with the psychological impact of the tsunami on people like herself. After receiving the support and assistance she needed from community volunteers, Zeena took part in a training programme and now works as a community worker helping other tsunami survivors to rebuild their lives. Just over two years ago, Zeena had nothing. Now, with the help of positive rehabilitation initiatives in her community as well as her own determination and strength of character, she is back on her feet, has a new house and a career that brings her happiness and fulfillment. She also has a positive outlook on life and this will no doubt help others in the future: “I believe that anyone can succeed the way I have succeeded…I believe that anyone can do the same.” This story, as well as many others, will be featured in a new media campaign called “Coastal Rising – The People’s Story” from this week onwards.

Needles to say, there are certain irreplaceable things that the tsunami washed away forever, but there are also cases where people are doing better than they were before December 2004, at least financially or in terms of quality of life.

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