The “Schools Re-awakening” project of Rotary Sri Lanka is now entering its final phase and despite having to face many new challenges, the project is set to be completed by December 2007.

The escalation of hostilities between Government security forces and the rebels in the North and East of Sri Lanka has presented many difficulties for our workforces who are operating in these areas.

Rotary Sri Lanka is rebuilding 25 schools across the country which were affected by the tsunami in an USD 18M programme. This initiative will enable 12,000 children to go back to new schools to continue their education.

With a view to turning the tragedy into an opportunity, Rotary Sri Lanka together with its main partner the Standard Chartered Bank, is rebuilding bigger and better schools with all modern facilities.

The schools allocated to Rotary are spread throughout the country and a majority of them are in the conflict areas.

Forced conscription of workers by the rebels and other para military groups is a constant threat at most sites as is the theft of construction materials especially cement and rubble.

Hartals and stoppages of work are a regular feature in the conflict areas. A recent warning by the security forces that they could not protect Sinhala labour employed in the East caused more problems and presented fresh challenges.

Despite these challenges the project has forged ahead and is one of the few success stories of rebuilding after the tsunami.

“Our Lead Club Rotarians and project staff have done a magnificent job monitoring not only the progress of work but also the safety of our workforces” said K.R. Ravindran Chairman of the Board of Management of the Project.

Nine schools have already been completely rebuilt as model schools with all modern facilities and handed over to the Ministry of Education.

Another five more schools will be completed by mid August and it is planned to ceremonially open these schools with the participation of the overseas sponsors.

Representatives from the Rotary Foundation, Rotary Denmark, Rotary International Britain & Ireland (RIBI), and Rotary District 1041 (Yorkshire) are expected to attend the opening ceremonies which will be held in late August and early September.