TSSS made arrangements to hand over the New Shelters which are built with the assistance of BPRM, USA to the Government of Tamilnadu. The solemn ceremony took place on 26.02.2009 at Chettimedu. The Honourable Speaker of Tamilnadu Assembly, Mr.Avudayappan presided over the function in which The District Collector Mr.Jeyaraman, I.A.S., The Sub collector and Mr.Jeyakumar, Deputy Director for Rehabilitation, Chennai, participated and appreciated the constant support of TSSS for ensuring the dignity and development of Sri Lankan Tamils. Rev.Fr.Joseph Kennedy, the Executive Director of TSSS acknowledged the support of the local government and appreciated the officials.
Following the marking work, Boomi Pooja was performed on 15.06.2009 with the full participation of the people at Chettimedu camp. The Union Chairperson, Ms.Meenakshi Sivaguranathan, who is a Sri Lankan Tamil settled some two decades back, was invited as the chief guest. She stood in the front and performed the Pooja. The representatives of NGOs coordination committee, government officials from the department of rehabilitation, PRI leaders and members of local SHGs were present on the gracious occasion. The Most.Rev.Jude Paulraj, Bishop of Palayamkottai and President of TSSS blessed the site. Then the foundation stone was laid open on following a brief prayer service and lighting of lamp to mark the dawn of the Srilankan Tamils.
Similarly, the Boomi Pooja and Foundation laying ceremony at Gangaikondan was organized in a grand manner. Honourable Minister for Sports Mr.T.P.M.Mohideen Khan, laid the foundation stone. Mr.Malairaja, M.LA, Mr.Ravi, Chairman- Gangaikondan, Mr.Jeyaraman, The District Collector, The Tashildars from Revenue and Rehabilitation Departments and the people of Gangaikondan and Naranammal puram participated in the function well planned and organized by the Executive Director, Fr.Joseph Kennedy and his team.
The Consulate General from the US Embassy made a visit to Tirunelveli District on 20.11.2009 to see the Shelter Programme supported by BPRM, USA at Gangaikondan. He was accompanied by a team of dignitaries including the National Director of CRS, New Delhi. He also visited Naranammalpuram camp to assess the living conditions. On the occasion of his visit to Gangaikondan where 96 New Shelters were constructed, TSSS launched Livelihood Development Programmes. The Consulate General distributed free sewing machines to young girls and issued certificates to youth who had completed training in tailoring, driving, computer software etc. The team appreciated the various interventions of TSSS and the Consulate General had sent a written appreciation letter to TSSS.
Inauguration of New Shelters:
The inaugural function of New Shelter Programme was organized on 19.12.2009 at Gangaikondan. Deputy Director of Rehabilitation welcomed the gathering. Rev.Fr.A.Joseph Kennedy, Executive Director of TSSS, gave a detailed account of the process of shelter programme. Mr.G.Prakash, District Collector, Mr.Mohan Pyare, I.A.S., Mr.Karuppasamy Pandian, M.LA., Mr.Malairaja, M.L.A., the members of Coordination committee, Sri Lankan Tamils from other camps participated and graced the occasion. The new shelter was inaugurated by Honorable Minister K.K.S.S.R.Ramachandran. Hon.Minister T.P.M.Mohideen Khan distributed sports articles to the youth. Most.Rev.Jude Paulraj, Bishop of Palayamkottai delivered the felicitation address. Dr.Celestin, the Deputy Country Representative of CRS – New Delhi entrusted the new shelters to the government.
Two of the representatives of BPRM, Ms. Rebeca.T.Kinsey, Programme Officer, BPRM, Washinglton, DC, and Mr.Markl Winberg, South Asia Regional Officer, BPRM made a brief visit to Chettimedu and Gangaikondan Shelter sites on 12.03.2010 and assessed the progress of work. They had interacted with the local camp people, especially women. They had also made a need assessment on the possible youth intervention initiatives. They had separate meeting with youth at Gangaikondan and meeting with young girls at Chettimedu. They visited the existing shelters at both the places and interacted with the residents and learnt the difficulties and limitations of the shelters. They had also visited Naranammalpuram godown and the refugee community.
Ms.Jomey Joseph, Mr.John Packiaraj and Mr.Vivek from CRS too accompanied the BPRM guests. They were quite impressed by the development works executed by TSSS with the guidance and technical support of CRS.
Happy New Year 2012
Photos of Inauguration
Photos of CRS Health Camp