As we approach the two year anniversary of the tragic tsunami we would like to update you on the progress of the “Help Sri Lanka Disaster Relief Fund” (HSLDRF) which collected a total of $92201.61 (excluding bank charges of $ 127.20) thanks to your generous contributions.  HSLDRF entered into an agreement with “Sri Subodharama Sasana Seva Society” (SSSSS) a non-profit organization in Sri Lanka via an MOU dated 3/22/05 to build 10 houses for the Tsunami victims and to disburse scholarships to students affected in Hikkaduwa, Weligama, and Ruhuna University . 

 The money in this fund was transferred to “ Michigan fund to help victims of the tsunami” (MFHVT under SSSSS) at Bank of Ceylon, Peradeniya branch on 5/20/05.  The total money deposited in Sri Lankan currency was SL Rs. 9164165.69. 

 We are extremely happy to announce that the construction of houses has been completed and the scholarship disbursement is underway efficiently.  Additionally, SSSSS was kind enough to add three more scholarships at Kahawa at the request of one of the contributors. 

 The estimate for the ten houses at the time of preparing the MOU was SL Rs. 4239802.50 (as per initial estimate by UDA).  This estimate was for asbestos roof covering.  At the suggestion of the Urban Development Authority (UDA, which oversees the overall project), the roofing was changed to tile, a chimney was added, and the area of each house was increased by 20% at a revised total cost of SL Rs 4850000.00.  Furthermore, at the request of the occupants SSSSS provided 25 bicycles in lieu of providing utensils and furniture. 

 Given below is the status of the fund as of 09/12/06.  We are also maintaining a folder containing the following detailed documents at the Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara for anyone interested in obtaining additional information.

1. Bank statements from Bank One

2. Wire transfer receipts.

3. MOU between SSSSS and GLBV

4. MOU between SSSSS and the ministry of Urban Development and Water Supply

5. Agreement between SSSSS and CECB

6. Contractual agreement between SSSSS and Evergreen Construction Co,

7. Bank of Ceylon receipts

8. Bill of quantities, house plans, revision of estimates & payment requests.

9. Current Balance of the MFHVT as of 09/12/06

10. Receipts for construction of houses and purchase of bicycles

11. Letters of appreciation from beneficiaries

 We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who spent their own time and money to visit the occupants of the houses and scholarship recipients.  Issues and concerns raised by the occupants at these visits have been brought to the attention of the construction company. Evergreen Construction Co. has assured that these will be addressed during the warranty period.

The occupants and scholarship recipients are deeply appreciative of all the efforts and generous contributions that helped them get through the difficult times.   We would like to thank all of you who volunteered in this great effort. 

 Last but not least, we are working on updating the website.  Our volunteers are not web-savvy, as a result requires a little bit more time to update the website with all the details. We will complete this task in the near future and include pictures and video clips to show your contributions at work.

 Thanking you,

Fund Executors

 

Account Details As of 09/12/06
	Initial  amounts allocated per MOU	Income(+) and Expenses (-) as of 09/12/2006. SL Rs.	Comments
Money transferred  from Bank One (USA) to MFHTV in Sri Lanka		9164165.69	Two transfers on 3/29/05 and 05/20/05
Construction  for 10 Houses	Rs. 4239802.5	-4850000.00	1.Cost per unit increased to Rs. 450000 as of 04/21/2005. 2.Cost per unit later increased  to Rs. 485000.
Furniture, utensils etc for ten houses	US $ 48000 less house construction budget overage	-187500.00	Due to construction budget overage and the request made by occupants, 25 bicycles were donated.
Scholarship  for University of  Ruhuna Students	US $ 4875	-487500.00
Scholarship  for Hikkaduwa Students	US $ 5000	-271575.00	Number of scholarships increase beyond MOU (from 10 to 17).  New allocation is Rs. 717000.
Scholarship  for Weligama Students	US $ 25625	-707509.00
Scholarship for Kahawa students	US $ 00	-45750.00	Additional 3 students were selected per Ranjan Mathew's request. Total allocation Rs. 123000 (beyond MOU)
Incidental Expenses associated with scholarships and construction of houses	US $ 1% of the fund	-122172.00	Exceeded beyond MOU allocation due to unforeseen expenses
Bank Charges	0	-25015.00	Bank charges in Sri Lanka
Interest		167500.00
Balance as of 09/12/2006		2634644.69