The first quarter of 2026 is already behind us. It was a period dominated by the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which struck on 25 November 2025. We previously reported on the consequences of the cyclone in our news update from December 2025. In this update, you can read about the current situation in the project area, which new projects have been launched, and what actions have been taken.
Therefore in this news update you read about:
- Arrival of the container with relief supplies
- Farewell and a new beginning for Anna’s Home
- How the population in the project area is recovering after Cyclone Ditwah
- Wilde Ganzen’s ‘De Wilde Week’ campaign
- Violin campaign by Soroptimist Club SallAnders
- Launch of the new water and sanitation project
- The ongoing challenge of fundraising
- Urgent appeal for renovation and housing construction
- Call for volunteers in Friesland (Leeuwarden/Harlingen region)
At the end of October, we sent a container full of goods to Sri Lanka
Fortunately, everything in the container arrived safely. Fr. Ramesh was able to collect the goods and distribute them to the affected families who had lost everything. Many thanks to everyone who helped with this and made a donation.
- Clothing from Stout
- T-shirts from SW4D
- Plates, cutlery, towels, sheets and other textiles
- Computers from Sector ICT Solutions
This brought not only aid, but also relief and a sense that they have not been forgotten. All of this could not have come at a better time. Together, you have given these people back a little of their strength and dignity.
A farewell and a new beginning for Anna’s Home
Years ago, Havonos decided to support the shelter run by Sister Chrishani, which provided a safe haven for young girls facing unwanted pregnancies. The home – now known as Anna’s Home – has since taken on a new purpose: it provides shelter for girls aged 4 to 18 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or domestic violence. They are lovingly cared for and educated there.
In 2019, Havonos decided to phase out its financial support. Mirjam van den Berg, a board member at the time, has since dedicated herself heart and soul to Anna’s Home. Havonos recently made the final transfer, and the project has now been fully handed over to Mirjam. We wish Mirjam and Anna’s Home all the best. Although Mirjam is no longer a board member, she remains closely involved in our work – something for which we are very grateful.
How things are going in the project area following Cyclone Ditwah?
The resilience of the people in the project area never ceases to amaze us. Many lost their homes, their possessions or, in other cases, the thatched roof that protected their mud-brick houses. People are still missing. Yet the community is managing to get on with daily life again. The women working together under the umbrella of FAITH play a particularly important role in this. They support, encourage and help one another.
Despite the poor roads and fuel shortages, Father Ramesh visits as many villages as possible on his motorbike. During these visits, he speaks with the residents about their most urgent needs now that the rubble clearance has begun. Three major project priorities emerged from these conversations:
- Support for education;
- A major water and sanitation project;
- Renovation and housing construction – simple brick houses with a door and a watertight roof for families without shelter.
1st project Support for education + Wilde Week of Wilde Ganzenk
Many parents emphasised it is important for their children to be able to return to school as soon as possible. Education is free in Sri Lanka, but parents must provide school uniforms, books and stationery themselves – items that were lost on a massive scale as a result of the cyclone. In consultation with Father Ramesh, we submitted a project application to Wilde Ganzen, which has now been approved. This means we can count on financial support. In addition, our project was selected for Wilde Week in April, during which Wilde Ganzen will double the amount raised.
Violin Campaign by Soroptimist Club SallAnders
The Soroptimist Club SallAnders Raalte-Nijverdal has embraced and supported this education project through the 2026 violin campaign. We are delighted to report that this campaign raised €2,225. Thanks to the match from Wilde Ganzen, this amounts to €4,500 for the education project. Ladies of the Soroptimist Club SallAnders and all supporters: on behalf of the children and their parents in Sri Lanka, thank you very much!
2e Clean water, sanitation and hygiene education + Wilde Ganzen
The flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah has severely contaminated many wells. As there is no sewerage system, sewage flowed directly into the wells. This water is used for cooking, washing and personal hygiene. As a result, many people fell seriously ill, and some died.
It is therefore of the utmost importance that:
- water wells are cleaned and repaired;
- new and safe sanitation facilities are installed;
- hygiene education is provided.
This project has also been approved by Wilde Ganzen, which has once again pledged to double the donation.
3e project: Renovation and House Building
Building simple brick cottages with doors and waterproof roofs for families without shelter. The first two projects are supported by Wilde Ganzen.
We are still urgently seeking support for the renovation and construction of these houses. Who will help us??
Vrijwilliger gezocht in Friesland (Leeuwarden/Harlingen)
An important source of income for Havonos is the bottle deposit scheme run in supermarkets. Customers can donate their bottle deposits to a charity, and Havonos works in partnership with supermarkets throughout the country to facilitate this. Unfortunately, our volunteer for the Leeuwarden/Harlingen-region is no longer able to carry out this task. We are therefore looking for a reliable volunteer who is willing to take on the management of these campaigns – usually once a year.
Do you know anyone in Friesland who might be interested in doing this? If so, please contact our chairperson, Sieni Schouten. Thank you in advance for your help.
In conclusion
This was our first news update of 2026. Your involvement is greatly appreciated – by us and by the people in the project area. We start every board meeting with a video call with Father Ramesh.
He invariably ends by expressing his deep gratitude for the support from the Netherlands.
Thank you for your support and interest. See you next time!!