Kamlunai, Sri Lanka - The Czech humanitarian and development agency, People In Need (PIN), accompanied by local government representatives, school directors and students, handed over the primary school built by the organization in Kalmunai, Ampara district. It is now the biggest primary school in the town.

This modern school was designed by a well-known Sri Lankan architect and its modern design blends harmoniously with simple functionality. This secondary school can accommodate 260 students from 6 to 12 years old. Up until now, children and teachers were working outdoors or in temporary sheds because the original school was totally destroyed by the Tsunami in 2004. The total cost of 370 000US dollars was covered by generous donations given by the Czech population in response to the public collection "SOS Sri Lanka".

People in Need built 8 classrooms, a science laboratory, library, computer room as well as service rooms for the school administration, a lunchroom, assembly hall and hygienic facilities. "We haven't just built the buildings, but have also provided furniture, computers, teaching materials and books. And I think the design is great too" comments Ivo Tesar, one of the PIN engineers.

Mrs Anantharajah, Deputy Director of the education office for Kalmunai, in the eastern part of Sri Lanka gave her heartfelt thanks to the people of the Czech Republic, who "are helping our children to get an education. More than 16 schools were destroyed in this district and some have not even begun to be reconstructed. I am very happy that PIN will be cooperating with us again in the future". "

"We are planning to start work in this district at the beginning of next year. We will be mainly focusing on the educational sector. We will begin projects to help develop the school and pre-school sectors and English teacher training" says Matej Novak, the PIN Head of Mission.

PIN has been working in Sri Lanka since January 2005 to assist people affected by the Tsunami inTrincomalee district. 3 new schools have been constructed and 12 schools and pre-schools reconstructed in the past two years. Currently, another school is being built in Kuchchaveli, Trincomalee district, which will accommodate 560 school children. PIN's other education-related activities include vocational training, development of the school and pre-school sectors and English teacher training. All projects are funded from the public collection "SOS Sri Lanka" launched in the Czech Republic just days after the Tsunami hit, during which the inhabitants of this small European country donated more than 5 million dollars.

New projects are carried out in cooperation with key donors working in Sri Lanka, such as GTZ (German Technical Cooperation) and USAID (United State Agency for International development).

For more information please contact: Matej Novak, Head of Mission in Sri Lanka Cell: (+94) 773 548 425 For more information about People in Need's activities visit www.peopleinneed.cz.