Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, April 4, 2008 - The Czech NGO, People In Need (PIN) has completed the reconstruction of a Public Market at the Anuradhapura Junction in the tsunami and conflict affected town of Trincomalee in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. The completion ceremony of reconstruction of the Market was held today. While the market buildings are modern and functional, the design respects the traditional open Sri Lankan markets. The reconstruction project also aimed to rebuild and deepen interactions and relationships in and between communities and local authorities. The overall costs of construction totaled 508,286.00 US dollars.

"The market reconstruction is a complex project with multiple aims; it has to do with post-Tsunami reconstruction efforts, with economic development of the whole region, as well as with stabilizing fragile relationships between neighbouring communities," says Matej Novak, head of PIN's mission to Sri Lanka.

The construction work commenced in mid-September 2007 and finished according to plan by the end of March 2008. The design of the Market was developed by a recognized Sri Lankan architect on the basis of community priorities validated in the first phase of the project and with respect to the traditional design of open Sri Lankan markets.

Functional and modern features were incorporated into the design. Markets usually provide a natural place for community interaction, so a special emphasis was placed on securing room for areas suitable for relaxation, leisure time and social events.

The originally dilapidated market site with neglected hygienic standards was significantly improved. The newly constructed main building accommodates 43 sale spaces with water supply in almost one third of them. The sale spaces vary in design and size to accommodate the sale of fish, meat, vegetables, fruit, grocery items and whole sale items. Another existing building was reconstructed and accommodates an office for the Urban Council staff responsible for market operation, 5 multi-purpose store spaces, and toilets accessible to the disabled. Other improvements include the construction of public toilets, fixing the drainage system, upgrading the water tank and well, construction of a guard room, building an access road, parking lots, installing a transformer, and providing for garbage collection and composting. Turf has also been planted along the perimeter of the market, and trees have been planted around the courtyard with concrete benches installed nearby.

The project aims are not only to increase the living standards of Trincomalee inhabitants but also to rebuild and deepen the interactions and positive, sustainable relationships in and between the communities and the local authorities. In an effort to facilitate this process, PIN assisted vendors in establishing a multi-ethnic Market Association. PIN in close collaboration with the Urban Council representatives and the Market Association also initiated the development of Guidelines which will specify the proper management and maintenance details of the Market's operation.

PIN continues to provide further support to the communities and to the Urban Council Trincomalee through a series of training sessions, providing assistance with the opening of the Market to the public, and revisions of operational procedures. PIN does this in order to ensure that all communities and local authorities are prepared for the initial handover of all responsibilities in conjunction with the new market, and to make sure that the community possesses the appropriate capacity.

The Public Market at Anuradhapura Junction was constructed under the project implemented by the NGO People In Need in close cooperation with the Urban Council Trincomalee. Financial assistance was provided by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and HELLENIC AID.

For more information contact: Mr. 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.