Prior to the 2004 tsunami, about 5 million Sri Lankans were living below the poverty line of US$12 per person monthly. Another 3 million people survived on the equivalent of US$15 per person monthly. According to the World Bank estimated number of poor living in the rural areas was 4 million representing almost one third of the total rural population of Sri Lanka.
The 2004 tsunami resulted in more than 38,000 deaths 40% of which were children. Hundreds of thousands of people were driven into poverty. Many children were left orphaned in the wake of this catastrophe.
Charity Projects in Sri Lanka
- Sahana Children’s Village, located in southern Sri Lanka, provides access to healthcare, nutrition, and education for children of families affected by the 2004 Tsunami. Avicenna Vision is currently raising funds for construction of a medical/dental clinic in this village.