| Ranil Sugathadasa, Manager of Holcim Lanka's Fund for Reconstruction
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For years, Holcim Lanka has been committed to social responsibility. As a local industry leader, Holcim Lanka initiated community based programs as well as technical support for prospective home owners and masons
to build quality houses.
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Within a year, the Fund constructed close to 650 new houses, several schools and provided livelihood support – an achievement only possible due to Holcim Lanka’s expertise in affordable housing construction. Ranil Sugathadasa, the Fund’s responsible manager for construction, deserves much praise for his drive and commitment in overseeing the entire process.
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"Nearly 650 new houses were built within a year – a remarkable achievement for all involved, demonstrating what proper planning and commitment can achieve."
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"The distribution of support
both in cash and in-kind was
conducted through a well planned
process of immediate
relief and a long-term rebuilding
program."
Being affected by the tsunami itself, Holcim Lanka provided immediate relief to the communities around its Ruhunu plant. Within days, the company’s employees initiated the Holcim Fund for Reconstruction with a view to actively helping rebuilding efforts in the communities. The Fund also received
significant contributions from Holcim Ltd and other Group companies around the world.
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"Holcim Lanka’s past experience
in working with the communities
enabled the company to quickly assist people affected by the tsunami. With expertise in cost-efficient construction
as well as project management,
the Holcim Fund for Reconstruction
maximized use of every
dollar so that as many people
as possible could benefit."
The Fund, governed by a board of custodians,
forged partnerships with community leaders
and organizations, mainly local and foreign
NGOs, in order to identify reconstruction
needs and potential recipients. Together with
Sarvodaya, a local NGO with four decades
of experience in community service and an
in-depth knowledge of the country’s people,
the Holcim Fund for Reconstruction put in
place one of Sri Lanka’s most successful
rebuilding programs, covering all affected
regions.
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