Aliwatte – Mattakuliya

 Colombo

Aliwatte is a slum area in the outskirts of the Colombo district in which nearly 350 families are residing. This area was adopted in the year 1987. Most of the families were Woman-headed as most of the men were engaged in drug peddling, criminal activities and were in and out of jail. Following are the activities that were carried out there,

• Since the year 1987, monthly medical clinics were organised in which residents were screened, treated and referred if required.
• Around 150 residents participated, all medicines were given free of cost and lunch was cooked and provided to all.
• 6 common toilets were constructed for 60 families.
• A garbage collection area was constructed.
• Around 30 families living closer to the Kelani river get affected at least once a year due to the rains and floods and are relocated temporarily. During this period, dry rations, cooking utensils, mats and mosquito nets.

With the involvement of the SSIO, a significant reduction was seen in the crime and school dropout rates and a positive change in terms of cleanliness was seen.