COLOMBO: As the world marks two decades since the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, the grim reality for many survivors in Sri Lanka remains unchanged. Thousands continue their struggle for a stable home while grappling with memories of the tragedy that struck on December 26, 2004.

The tsunami, one of the deadliest disasters in history, claimed over 35,000 lives, obliterated more than 100,000 houses, and displaced approximately half a million individuals. Despite the passage of time, many victims like Hameeda Umma—a resilient 62-year-old—find themselves still without a place to call home. Living in substandard settlements, she laments, “We are hoping to get the house. The authorities are not giving us the house yet… Even after 20 years, they have not provided the house. During those 20 years, my children suffered a lot.”

The Unfulfilled Promise of Housing

Post-tsunami, rebuilding was prioritized by the Sri Lankan government. Some progress has been made in housing developments, such as a complex in Norochcholai funded by the Saudi Arabian government, which comprises 500 homes intended for displaced families. However, a court injunction related to ethnic distribution policies halted the transfer of these houses—a stark reminder of the ongoing complexities in Sri Lanka's post-war political landscape.

“It’s a tragic irony that despite the clear need for homes, there has been delay after delay,” remarked local council member Siraj Mashoor. He pointed to the necessity of understanding the cultural dynamics of areas before implementing development projects. “There was a lack of engagement. You can’t just impose a large project in an area without transparency. Ethnocentric politics complicates things even further,” he added.

A Ray of Hope Amidst Challenges

Not all projects faced such hurdles. In Seenigama, located on the southern coast, tsunami survivor Thuiyahandi Champa Samanmali shared her relief upon moving into a home funded by Australia’s state of Victoria. “At that time, it was like we received a palace because before that, we were living in other people’s homes… We felt very happy, as if we received the best palace in the world,” she emotionally recounted.

NGOs like the Foundation of Goodness have emerged as beacons of hope, having built around 1,000 houses with donor support. The organization's founder, Kushil Gunasekera, emphasized their commitment to inclusivity, “We try to steer clear of ethnic politics and offer equal assistance to all. It’s other people’s money, so accountability is key.”

Looking Ahead: A Call for Action

As survivors like Hameeda Umma and many others look towards the future with uncertainty, the ongoing challenges highlight not only the long shadows cast by the tsunami but also the urgent need for effective policy reform and accountability in rebuilding efforts. The tragic irony remains that the disaster brought utter devastation, yet the response continues to be riddled with political intricacies and delayed promises.

The plea for swift housing solutions resonates loudly with the community as they hope that the next year will bring not just promises but substantial progress towards rebuilding their lives. In a world where accountability and action are desperately needed, the legacy of the tsunami is as much about resilience as it is about the unyielding pursuit of justice for the displaced.

Will the Sri Lankan government finally rise to the occasion? Only time will tell.