Imagine once again cooking for your family in a bright, clean kitchen, or chatting with friends while standing under the eaves of your home, or sitting outside in the evening as a gentle breeze caresses your face, or planting crops in your garden. A few months ago, these dreams would have seemed impossible to the victims of the tsunami in Sri Lanka. But Tzu Chi is now helping to make these dreams come true. Just six months after the disaster, work started on a Tzu Chi Great Love Village in Siribopura. Homes, a community center, stores and even a school promises to bring new vitality to a community devastated by the tsunami. In Sri Lankan, the name Siribopura means "beautiful city." For those that are witnessing the birth of the Great Love Village in Siribopura, the future is indeed very beautiful.

The tsunami that occurred in the Indian Ocean on December 24, 2004, destroyed over 70 percent of the coastline of Sri Lanka. One of the most devastated areas was the low-lying coastal district of Hambantota. This region is located on the southern coast of the island, about 240 kilometers (400 miles) south of the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. Once popular with tourists for its pristine coastlines and beautiful beaches, Hambantota looked more like a war zone after the tsunami. The giant waves left thousands of pulverized homes, upturned vehicles, and uprooted telephone and telegraph lines in its wake. It was so powerful that even houses located one kilometer inland were demolished. When the waves finally receded, countless corpses floated in nearby lagoons and mangrove swamps. Official reports put the number killed at around 4,500, but the true death toll may never be fully known.

The perfect coastline no longer exists, and the ruins that remain are a grim reminder of that fateful day. In reaction to the devastation, and in an attempt to reduce the damage from future tsunamis, the local government has stipulated that no homes be rebuilt within 100 meters (328 feet) from the coast. Furthermore, to help survivors put their lives back together, the government has planned to relocate the remaining residents of Hambantota to Siribopura, a district located three kilometers (1.8 miles) from the coast. The government has pledged to build permanent homes there and help survivors begin again.

The relocation plan was announced within a month of the tsunami. On January 19, 2005, Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga attended a monument unveiling ceremony held to inaugurate the construction of the new community in Siribopura. At the ceremony, she publicly invited international NGOs to build 2,500 houses. Tzu Chi, engaged in the reconstruction efforts in Sri Lanka since days after the tsunami, is playing a key role in this new endeavor.

Designing in Sri Lanka

Within days after the tsunami wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka, Tzu Chi volunteers and the Tzu Chi International Medical Association began helping survivors. Tzu Chi free clinics provided services for over 27,000 people, distributed relief supplies to over 70,000 persons in need, and built nearly 300 tent shelters for the homeless. In May 2005, Tzu Chi was contracted by the Sri Lankan government to build a Tzu Chi Great Love Village in Siribopura. By planning the overall structure of the new community and building about 1,000 of the 2,500 planned houses, Tzu Chi volunteers hope to bring true and lasting peace to survivors.

A multinational team of architects has been assembled to plan the new community at Siribopura. Taiwanese architect Guo Shu-sheng, Filipino architect Felino Palafox, and Sri Lankan engineering consultant Monchito B. Gayos are bringing the vision of the Great Love Village to life. Siribopura is a low-lying region of about 101 hectares (251 acres). Set among gently rolling hills, the site for the Great Love Village was formerly a jungle. When the three-member architectural team came to inspect the construction site, they saw an opportunity to design the village as a beautiful community following the gentle contours of the land.

After consulting with the provincial government of Hambantota, the Urban Development Authority, and other relevant government departments, Guo, Palafox and Gayos created blueprints for the 1,000-home development. In addition to private residences, their plans included a day-care center, offices, a library, a community center, a health-care facility, a job-training center, a shopping mall, and a school.

As principal architect, Guo has planned to build three smaller neighborhoods within the overall community. He hopes that residents of each neighborhood will work in harmony for the good of the overall community. "We can promote family-sized factories and train people with technical skills. This will help make Master Cheng Yen's livelihood plan a reality," said Guo. Palafox added, "By planning convenience stores or co-ops here, we are hoping the income can be reinvested into a community management fund."

The architects recognize that planning the physical layout of the town is only the first step in a long process of development. Transforming their vision into a successful community will take time, effort, and cooperation among the residents. Guo observed, "The physical design of the village is only a foundation. To manage the community well will require the residents to work together over a period of time. After their lives have improved, they must come to a consensus among themselves and work to create their future."

Preparing for the groundbreaking ceremony

Seven Tzu Chi volunteers specializing in construction, carpentry, plumbing and electricity arrived in Sri Lanka from Taiwan on June 21, 2005. Their tasks were to oversee the project, maintain high construction standards throughout the building phase, and arrange for the groundbreaking ceremony that would mark the official beginning of the Great Love Village. They were well equipped for their roles. "We have gained a lot of experience from Tzu Chi construction and landscaping projects elsewhere," said team leader Zhang Shi-wen.

The volunteers arrived just in time, too. Although estimates predict that the new homes will be ready as early as next year, a model home was built on the construction site in time for the groundbreaking ceremony. The model would allow residents to get a better idea of the good things to come. The volunteers from Taiwan arrived just in time to help put the finishing touches on the building.

Since the model house had to be finished in time for the groundbreaking ceremony on June 25, the volunteers sweated under the sun to speed things up. The working conditions were very difficult. It is not uncommon for daily temperatures in June to hit 37oC (99oF). The site was unprotected, and wind, dust and sunlight forced the volunteers to keep their heads down. Thorny weeds pricked the volunteers as they went about their work. A lack of adequate tools slowed their progress, but did not discourage their nimble movements. The volunteers simply imagined that they were working back in the early days in Taiwan, when many things were done by hand.

"I haven't held a hoe in 50 years," said Zheng Bang-yuan, still looking healthy at the age of 70. Zhou Ji-dun, head of a big construction company in Taiwan, said with a smile, "At home, I just order other people to do the work." Lin Wan-lai, who specialized in construction materials, echoed, "We normally do our jobs with only one finger [pointing out things to be done by subordinates]."

From dawn until dusk, the seven volunteers cooperated to accomplish each task one by one. They put the bricks, sand, and all the construction materials scattered around the showpiece home in order; they used hoes to plant trees and shrubs; they laid a walkway in front of the model home. They even erected a large billboard and used wires to secure the supports for a presentation platform. Eventually, the home was ready for the groundbreaking ceremony.

The ceremony

Although rain the previous day had left some puddles, the day of the groundbreaking ceremony arrived hot and sunny. The picturesque scenery surrounding Siribopura easily allowed one to sense Mother Nature's vitality. The golden sunlight cast dazzling reflections on ponds in a nearby wildlife preserve. Aquatic birds danced gracefully on the surface of the water. Occasionally, monkeys could be seen jumping from limb to limb. Cattle grazed leisurely.

Despite the scorching sun, there was an atmosphere of happiness and excitement. Sri Lankan, Buddhist, and Tzu Chi flags flapped rapidly in the wind. People moved throughout the area with enthusiasm and anticipation. Cheerful music contributed to the feeling of joy. Even the Tzu Chi volunteers setting up the tables, chairs, and decorations felt their own hearts beating faster in anticipation of the grand event.

Hundreds of people of diverse ethnic groups and interests arrived for the groundbreaking ceremony. Tzu Chi volunteers from Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka were present. Officials from Hambantota attended, as did the chief of the Urban Development Authority. There were abbots of local Buddhist temples, Islamic elders, and Catholic priests on hand. Anil de Silva and Shirosha Prithiviraj Guntiltake of the Leader Day Company brought 13 employees to the ceremony.

Anil and Shirosha had been instrumental in bringing Tzu Chi volunteers to Sri Lanka soon after the tsunami. "I remember that Mr. Silva came four days after the tsunami hit and discussed with me about having a place that Tzu Chi volunteers could hold relief work," said Mr. M.A. Piyasena, a local Hambantotan official. "The conversations we had made me aware that their projects would be very helpful to the victims. We immediately provided a house in which Tzu Chi could hold a free clinic." (For more information on Anil, Shirosha, and the Leader Day Company, see "My Friends, My Family" in the summer 2005 issue of Tzu Chi Quarterly.)

The groundbreaking ceremony began with many speeches and gestures of appreciation for the Great Love Village. A message of blessing from Master Cheng Yen, founder of Tzu Chi, was read at the ceremony by Hsieh Ching-kuei, who is in charge of Tzu Chi humanitarian aid and cultural affairs in Sri Lanka. Mahida Amaraweera, Sri Lankan deputy minister for urban development and water supply, expressed thanks to Tzu Chi for helping the survivors. He said he would do his best to ensure smooth completion of the construction project.

In addition to the presentations, local volunteers of all ages performed on stage to inspire the survivors. Relief goods were distributed to those in need. Over 300 families who attended the ceremony picked up milk powder, sugar and blankets. Finally, the official ceremony came to an end as cornerstones were laid to mark foundations of the new buildings that would follow.

Once the ceremony was over, it was time for the guests to tour the showpiece home. As they lined up to go through the house, they were clearly looking forward to a view of their future. Anticipation for the new houses and the city replaced the worry and uncertainty that they had born for so long.

The model home

The first thing that greeted the guests as they approached the house was the veranda, a place where the whole family could sit and chat in the cool evenings. Walking through the veranda, visitors stepped into the living room. Doors on each side of the living room led to the bedrooms. Walking through the living room, visitors entered a spacious dining room. Beyond that was the kitchen, where an L-shaped kitchen counter sparkled in the sunlight.

"I like the kitchen," said 29-year-old Kanthi Weersekara to her friend. Cooking for her family was a pleasure for Kanthi, but when her home was destroyed by the tsunami, she and her family moved into a Tzu Chi tent shelter. Now, Kanthi was imagining herself back in a real kitchen, preparing meals properly for her family. She looked around and said to herself, "I want to buy some bowls and plates to decorate the kitchen and keep it clean all the time."

Rishan Adahan, his wife, and a two-year-old daughter also walked through the house. "I never imagined that one day I'd have a house as beautiful as this one," marveled Mrs. Adahan. The temporary housing they currently live in is uncomfortable. Mrs. Adahan vowed that after moving into their new home, she would do her best to keep it clean.

Mahira Wazeer, 38, lives in a Tzu Chi tent with her husband. Their daughter died in the tsunami and their son is still missing. When Tzu Chi volunteers visited before, Mahira poured out her heart, hoping that her missing son would return. She told the volunteers that she didn't want to move to the Great Love Village. "We don't want to move because I fear our son won't be able to find us," she said, sadly shaking her head.

However, bolstered by the constant care and concern of volunteers, she showed up at the ceremony in a black Islamic dress. After seeing the house, she said happily that she loved its design. "If my son returns, I'll bring him to see our new home."

Staying on

Looking down from Yahangal Temple on Mount Badagriya, one can see the whole city of Hambantota. The details of the construction in Siribopura are easily visible--the azure reservoirs, the golden fields, the red roofs among the green trees.

"The village plaza is on higher ground, and there will be a school for the whole city. We have also planned a place for women to get job training. This is a very hopeful blueprint," said Zhang Shi-wen cheerfully as he looked down on the construction site from higher ground.

Zheng Bang-yuan planned to stay in Siribopura to supervise the construction. "When we first arrived, we were wondering if we could complete the model home on time. We were glad we did it." Now, he will get to see the whole construction process through to completion.

"Ever since we arrived in Colombo, we have sensed the kindness from the locals," said Liang Shi-xiang, who specializes in construction. The tsunami survivors have grown to be friends with the Tzu Chi volunteers. Liang attributes this feeling of goodwill to the fact that the volunteers have remained in the disaster areas ever since the tsunami occurred. Tzu Chi's involvement in Siribopura will continue into the future.

The volunteers plan to oversee the creation of the village and ensure that the construction standards remain high. They will take good care of construction workers during the construction period. Volunteers from Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore are also forming teams that will come and work on the landscaping.

Everyone's hard work has allowed Tzu Chi to do much charitable work here. Construction has started on the new city, and tsunami survivors are able to look to the future with hope and anticipation. Liang Xiu-ming, a carpentry specialist, has also decided to stay on to supervise the construction of the Tzu Chi Village. He captured the spirit of cooperation and commitment that Tzu Chi has brought to relief work in Sri Lanka with a comment written in his notebook: "The beauty of life, and the most precious value in life, is offering help without asking for anything in return."

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Ideas in Designing the Tzu Chi Village

By Qiu Shu-juan
Translated by Lin Sen-shou
Photographs by Lin Yen-huang

By incorporating traditional Sri Lankan housing styles and using local construction materials and methods, the homes built in the Tzu Chi Great Love Village will be in harmony with the local culture and the natural environment. When the construction and landscaping are completed, it will appear as though the finished houses grew up from the earth itself.

"I am so happy for the villagers, knowing they can sit here chatting or drinking tea in the afternoon or evening. I designed these with that in mind." Architect Guo Shu-sheng was referring to the low earthen walls between the pillars of the veranda.

Sri Lankan houses typically have a veranda extending above the front door. This design dates back to the days when the head of the family would sleep under the veranda to protect his family from thieves or wild animals. Although these dangers are not common nowadays, the veranda has become a tradition and helps block the scorching sun from entering the living room. Guo added the low walls in his design on either side of the veranda for sitting and chatting.

The Sri Lankan government made sure that the design of the bungalows honored traditional housing styles. For example, the original plans for the Great Love Village included duplex-style homes. However, local officials pointed out to the architects that Sri Lankans have always lived in single, detached homes with their own yards. Once this was explained, the architects changed their plans to construct homes designed for individual families. Guo said, "We originally planned duplex homes for economical reasons, but after we heard their special request, we realized we couldn't build their homes with our Taiwanese ideas."

Good ventilation, lighting, and insulation

The terrain of Siribopura consists of gentle slopes, where rainfall can run off into creeks that follow the terrain. Guo stated, "We designed the community with the shape of the terrain in mind. We have designed several waterways and ponds as flood detention pools in the lowland areas. The pools will gather water when it rains heavily, thus preventing flash floods." The pools will also serve as sources of water for irrigation and fire fighting purposes in a region that is dry much of the year.

The red soil in this part of Sri Lanka is thick and sticky in consistency. When it is air-dried, it becomes very hard and impermeable to water. Felino Palafox, the architect from the Philippines, recognized that the red soil was ideally suited for use in construction. Unlike some other construction materials, the soil is easy to obtain and present in abundance. It is also environmentally friendly. Thus, bricks made from the red soil will become the main component used in the houses. Guo explained, "Using materials obtained locally is the most economical and reasonable strategy in building the new homes. Because the houses are constructed from the same material as the land on which they are built, I like to imagine that the houses are growing up from the Earth. They will be totally compatible with the land."

Manpower, not machinery, is still the main method of construction in Sri Lanka. Local construction workers are familiar with how to mix cement with the red soil to produce their building material. "This has been the traditional construction method for 300 years. It is very appropriate for building bungalows here. Bricks made from the soil insulate from the heat better than standard bricks, and they are very strong as well," said Guo. Naturally, all of the construction in the Great Love Village will use this method.

Raising consensus

Guo envisions that the community will be comprised of three groups, with about 300 houses in each neighborhood unit. By working together, each of the smaller neighborhoods will help contribute to the overall success of the whole village. An example will be the job-training center. "The idea came from my observation that local people, especially women, don't have the skills required in the workplace. Through community centers such as these, they can be trained to work in light, non-polluting industries and thus make a living."

To further establish the success of the community, Guo has planned a shopping center that will include two supermarkets and 20 stores. "These businesses will directly help the community by providing job opportunities for residents. At the same time, they will increase the sense of connectedness among the residents. The establishment of the shopping center will help residents identify with their new community."

Special thought has also been given to education within the new community. Considering that the new town will have 10,000 people, Tzu Chi has planned a school that will accept between 2,000 and 3,000 students.

"I once asked myself, 'What kind of house would allow me to live peacefully?'" said Guo. His answer to that question is being translated into real homes in Siribopura. Watching the construction going on, he said, "Many homes were destroyed by the tsunami. We hope that while the construction is going on, we can also give local people something to look forward to--participating, maintaining and managing their Tzu Chi Village as one, big family."