Enhancing the facilities available and fulfilling a community request a community centre was declared open at the Thalgasgodawatta Red Cross Tsunami housing sechme in Galle District in Southern Sri Lanka on 15 November 08. The Chief guests of the opening ceremony organized by the Galle Branch of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS )were Chairman Red Cross Task Force, Tissa Abeywickrama ,Branch Chairman Upali Sirimanna and Country Coordinator Canadian Red Cross Simon Jones.
The Thalgasgodawatta scheme comprises 56 new permanent houses together with amenities such as water, access roads, electricity and a play ground for a group of tsunami affected families. Canadian Red Cross has spent over 72 million rupees on this community housing scheme. The Canadian Red Cross provided Five hundred and fifty thousand rupees for the construction of the building and one hundred and fifty thousand rupees for purchasing furniture.
Red Cross Divisional Office, "Ekamutu" Community Base Society of Palletota, and Grama Niladhari office are housed in this center. A tree planting was conducted to mark the opening ceremony.
Niranjala Sevvandi, a school girl of the scheme proposing a vote of thanks said that the facilities and the environment of this scheme have uplifted their living condition. She thanked all the stake holders including Canadian RC, SLRCS for their contribution in creating a healthy environment to continue their education while living in peaceful manner. She also noted if they have a library, it would be a great help for their education.