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IncreaseknowledgeSaveEnvironment
KarapitiyaHospitalhastremendousrecyclingprogramthatisbiogasunitandthisunit startedin2004andthatisthefirstbiogasunitatHospitalinAsia.SinceHELPOstarted thatbiogasunitcarriedoutbytheHospitalManagement.Duringthepasttimehadto faceonechallengethatischangingthestafftimetotime.Whenwetrainonestaffthey willtransferafterfewyears.Soseveraltimeswehadtoconductawarenessprogramsto them.DuringthelastfewyearssituationissameandHELPOdecidedtoconductone awareness program for the Hospital staff. The program conducted about maintain & management of the biogas. For this program minor staffs to management staff were participated. The program scheduled to awaking the knowledge of the staff. We discussedaboutthemanytopicswhichrelatedtobiogas 03. Checkingthegaslevel. 01. Main parts of the biogas and its 04. Cleaningtheburnerandpipeline important 05. ManoMeterandSulfurfilter 02. Watermixingsystemandratios

How they can operate the biogas unit without any problems. Even we aware them aboutHowtofeedthebiogasunitandwhatistheproperratioformixwaterincluding aboutbiogasfeedingmaterialsandcantfeedmaterialsforthebiogas.Thenweaware about important of waste segregation and we could able to aware them about biogas andmaintainandmanagement.

ExchangingExperiencesthroughVideoconference

25th of May was one of very important days to HELPO, reason for that, is there was a video conference to share experiences among several countries. This team conference is specially held to have update of what have done for the betterment of thosecountriesbyCITYNETFunding.Somemembersofthosecountriesgatheredat JICAOffices(JapanInternationalCooperationAgency)toexchangetheirbestpractices of waste management process and sanitation. Members of following countries participated in this conference. They are Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippine, Indonesia

HELPOpresentedasthenationalchapteractivitieschapterfromSriLankaandatthe conference we presented our experience with waste management process by implementing biogas units within Negombo and Dehiwala Municipal Areas even includingtheTechnicalCooperationforDevelopingCountries(TCDC)Program.

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UpgradeKarapitiyaBiogasUnit
HELPO is always having alerts of our previous biogas units and is there any problem with its functioning. KarapitiyaHospitalBiogasunithas8yearshistorywith biogasconceptandsincethenuptonowitisfunctioning well. But during the last few months had little problem that is burner doesnt work properly and we upgraded this biogas unit. We fixed name boards to every part of thebiogasunitbecausemanyofschoolsandpeoplecome to see this. We have upgraded this is a learning centre and this is the first biogas that we constructed in 2004 and this is the first biogas unit in Hospital in Asia and this model has been replicated to many places in very successfullway.

DonateEquipmentsand ConductedAwarenessProgram

SuccessmodeltoMadhuRiverProtection

BalapitiyaMaduRiverisaworldfamouswetlandandits very special and enrich with many animals and plants MaduRiverisasserttoGalleDistrictaswellasfortheSri Lanka. The threats for the Madu River are much and HELPO and IUCN implemented one of small program withhugeimpactprogramtoprotecttheMaduRiver.

With this program needed to find sustainable solution to protect the mangroves because most of people cut mangroves as a fire wood and fishermen put the fish waste to lagoon. So we needed to implement sustainable solutionwithagoodmodel.Evenweplantedmangroves that destroyed places. In this month we went to monitor about the program now it is a function with very successfulway.NowMangrovesgrewproperly.

People are using the renewable energy for their daily needs and they dont put the waste to lagoon and we implemented one of model program and that is not enough to protect the whole lagoon and animals with mangroves and we need to go to another step in large scale because one we implemented model is success. Not itstimetoexpandtheprograminlargescale.

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NewExpectationwithOurSuccessfulEfforts

DaybydayHELPOiskeepingtheirsteps for the path of success with new experiments of biogas sector, so that our technicians always keep their eye on newlythingsanddonewexperimentsfor developingthissystem.Accordingtoour previous experience of national and international level we tried to get some important changes, tried to do new experiments. Our new experiment is, releasing pure watertotheenvironmentbyfilteringafter treating. Through that system,

environment pollution is completely reduced. Now we are introducing our ownmadeslurryfiltertothebiogasunit. Through this filter we get dry compost fromtheslurryandcantreatthisslurryas water.Wefilterthisthroughsevenlayers and it filters step by step. The row materials for filter are 100% organic and environmentfriendlyrowmaterials.Even now we introduce under ground pipes system to provide biogas to cooker. This isanothertechnologywehaveintroduced tothebiogasfield.

EndoftheSuccessfulPrograms

USAIDSARIEnergyProgram

HELPO could able to finish one of successful program which we implementedwiththeUSAIDSARIEnergyProgram.Evenasoneof result of implementing this program we could able to replicate this program in Trincomalee city. Make Galle Bio Energy City is one of mainandvaluableconceptwecouldabletoimplementthroughthis program.OnthistimeHELPOwouldliketothanksforUSAIDSARI Energy Program for providing financial support for this program withoutthatwewontabletoimplementthiskindofsuccessprogram to the country. Also we would like to thanks for all stakeholders of the program and their views and comments were much effective to carry on this programinverysuccessfullway.

NegomboCommunityBiogasProgram

Also HELPO finished another very successful program with the financialsupportoftheCITYNET,UNITARandFrenchGovernment. This program implemented in Negombo with the partnership of the Negombo Municipal Council. We constructed two biogas units and conducted one international exchange program with Cambodian government. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for CITYNET,FrenchGovernmentandUNITARforprovidingthefunds andliketothanksforNegomboMunicipalCounciltofacilitatetothe program.

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InimitableServicethroughIYSHFund

Havingashelterisoneofbasicneedsofeverybeing,birdsareabletocreatetheirnests anywherethatsuitforthem,otheranimalsalsocanlivewithoutashelterornot,they have unlimited space to make their dream shelter but considering human being it is differentfromothers.HELPOawarded21stIYSHAwardforprovidingshelterforthe homelesspeopleofthecountry.

After receiving this award we established one revolving fund to provide the Housing Loansforthepeoplewhodonthaveashelteranddonthaveaccesstoabank.Through thisfundwecouldabletoprovideloansformorethan23people.Someareexpectingto get loans through this fund. Most of people are repaying the loan and others already paidandexpecttogetalargescaleloantorealizetheirdream.Thepeoplewhogotloan from this fund will never able to accomplish their dreams because no one gives financialfacilitytothem.Weimplementthisprogramthroughthepeoplesmovement andbranches.

CommunityactionstocelebratetheWesakFestival

TheWesakfestivalheldon17thand18thMayandthisis very special for all Buddhists because this year is the 2600th Year of enlightenment Lord Buddha. Every peoplesmovementbranchhasbeenorganizedsmalland large events to celebrate this great occasion with involvementofotherreligiousmembers.Thisshowsthe ethnic of the all nations among members because other nationsalso involvedto thoseeventsinveryactively.Thisis thespaceforthepeople whodonthaveagoodplatformandforthespacetotheiractions.

SoupDansalfromChinaGardenPeoplesMovementBranch

Thismonthwasveryspecialmonthtoallofourpeoplesmovementmembersbecause of Wesak Zone. During a month they prepared for various activities for celebrating Wesak festival. Members of China Garden peoples movement branch gave a soup dansal(Itmeansfreefoodfordevotees)fordevoteesandothers.Beforeamonththey plannedhowtheyarrangethisgratedeedandeverymemberinvolvedtothisandthis isthefinalresultoftheireffort.Theycollectedmoneygoinghousetohousewiththe helpofvillagers.Buddhistsandotherreligiouscontributedtothisgreateffortandfor preparing soup all of villagers have supported them because giving Dansal is consideredasmeritoriousdeeds.

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ThroughaGrateSermonHealHeart&Mind

Last 18th, May members of Walawuwaththa peoples movement branch held a grate sermon of teachings of Lord Buddha and there were more than 500 of community gatheredtolistenteachingsofthelordBuddha.Ven.UduweDammalokadidhisgreat sermon at this meritorious occasion. Devotees of the village took part for this and membersoftheotherbranchestooparticipatedbygettingridoftheirbusylifestyleto collectbetterdirectiontotheirlives.AllparticipatorswereveryhappybylisteningBana andthankedtoWalawuwaththaBranchtheyexplainedthatthisisagreatopportunity to them to heal their hearts and minds. Members of Walawuwaththa Peoples Movement Branch were well appreciated by the participators. Even this is the final effortoftheiractionallmemberswereveryactivelyparticipatedtothisevent.

OfferingOfBuddhaThotagamuwaBranch

Twentyeight Buddha offering meritorious program was held by members of ThotagamuwaPeoplesMovementBranchthreedaysatSubadraramaTemple.Many ofvillagersparticipatedinthisoccasionandourpeoplesmovementmembersprepared every thing with the help of villagers. Peoples movement members take a good experiencebygatheringwithothercommunitiesandtheygainthisopportunitytoheal theirmindbehalfbusyenvironmentthattheyspenddaybydaylife.Theincumbentof thetempleappreciatetheirmeritoriousactandblessedthem. Theimportanceis,throughthistasktheymakeotherstoopportunitytocooltheirmind and GS of the village participated the occasion, they learnt how to work with local authoritiesandeventorganizingwell.Itwillshowthemthepathtogohead. ExampletoAdultsfromChildren

Under Walawuwaththa Peoples Branch there is a Leading Children Society through thisprogram;childrenareempoweredtostandbytheirselvesbyfacingchallenges.On the17thand18ththeyorganizeDansal(Itmeansfreefoodfordevotees)withtheirlevel andwithusingtheircapacity.

ChildrenofChildrenSocietyhurriedtoholdaDansal(Itmeansfreefoodfordevotees) and they have collected money by going house to house and they could find enough money to do this grate task. Without getting help from adults they arranged their Dansal(Itmeansfreefoodfordevotees)theygavegramforthedevotees.Thisisavery smalleffortofthechildrenandhugestepthattheyhavetakenbecausetheydidntget anysupportfromtheadults.ThiseffortofChildrenwerehighlyappreciatedbyvisitors for this grate task one of devotees said that wecan see the future of them, this is a good example to them and timely act taken by children such a time humanity is changingrapidly.

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ImportantParticipationtoaGrateExhibitionandSeminar
Last 20th May was very important day to our communityofourpeoplesmovementbranchesbecause invitedtoparticipateinSthreeMelawhichwasvery activeprogramwithwomenbasistoempowerthemto faceanychallenges,tobehavewithconfidenceoftheir selves as well as men perform. This seminar and exhibitionwasleadbytheAssociationofwaraffected women. Our 30 members of peoples company got opportunitytotakepartthisgreatSeminar.

In this great occasion the governor of southern province, Mrs. Kumari Balasuriya and former Minister of parliament, Mrs. Ferial Ashroof also participated. This program should be highly appreciated because through this program, very importantthingslinkwithwomenwerediscussedand manyproblemsofthemanswered.Attheoccasiontwo director board members of HELPO had participated oneofthemisaactivememberofthisprogramandthe otheroneparticipatedforgivinglectureonthetopicof Escape from sexual harassment, explaining whats sexual harassment, showing how women face these typeofproblemsbytravelingbusses,whatwomencan dowhenfacingsuchproblems,whatshouldnttheydo, soonhegaveveryimportantmatteronhislecture.

Through this program their target is to make women powerfultofacethesocietyandmakethemskillfuland also they want to empower women to become as political leaders then they can stand their own feet for women right therefore, they are holding these type seminars and exhibitions in every province, make women gather together expect to hold special, importantExhibitionandSeminarinthemonthofDecember. Through this program many of common and special things were explained and answered for very useful, important to women and our participators can direct their followersandtheywouldhelptheirmembersbyprovidingwhattheylearnt.`

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PostSteptoRecoverManavilaHousingProgram

Southerncourthousingprogramisabigprogramthat we implemented specially for the Tsunami victims to givegreatsupportfortheirshelterproblem.Thosewho lived in CGR lands, 100 M buffer zone in that disaster time they were helpless because Government didnt providefreelandforthemduetonotpermissionofthe lands.ThroughtheassistanceofANPAS27houseswere donated for them but the land was given by ACHR to establish a revolving fund for our Peoples Movement. Program implemented as like a community driven housing program. Gradually due to land situation as wellassomebadconstructionsbeneficiaryhastopayfor it. On 28th May 2011 we organized a special meeting for them with Peoples Movement & HELPO board of directors&LegalAdviseralsothisHousingProgramistheonebigopportunity&they gave their sincere gratitude for selecting them especially for Peoples Movement, ANPAS&ACHR.Theyexplainthat

Peoplehavetospendmoneyfortomakeitagainlikecanalswhichcannotconstruct individually&inthesebarriersitwasdifficulttorepaytheinstallments Inabilityoftherepaymentastheyalreadyhavetopaypenaltymorethantheland value&asktocalculatetheinstallmentsasperpayingcapacityofeach

GreatAchievements

Allofthemgavetheirsuggesttogofornewdeedastheyarenotcapabletopaythe penaltyaspertheearlierdeed&formtheirgroupsasearlier As all are Tsunami victims not to revalue the land though this area land value is Rs.100,000.00duetourbanization Get the ownership of their Land & houses after the repayments as many Tsunami housing schemes are not getting this advantage as already four of them received afterpayments Finallygaveonemonthtimeperiodtodiscussedaboutrepayments&iftheyarenot abletorepaythenthePeoplesCompanydecidedtohandovertheownershipofthe property to the CoOperative society in future as all of the peoples Company brancheswillregisteredunderCOOperativesocietiesinnextmonth

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FreeManpowertoEmpowerGrassRoots

People who were isolated from the society because of poverty spendwithhappinessthroughthisprogramnowtheydontfeel so; On the other hand they have created their own stage to discusstheirtragedyandhumor.Itisagreatpleasuretousthey flock together to share the things what they have like well feathered birds weekly, sometimes they wipe out their tear on theirfacesbychattingwitheachother.

This is the story of one Mrs. Hemanthi who was sheltered and facilitated of our peoples company. Mrs. Hemanthi is one of grass root level courageous women at Walawuwaththa Branch. She has improved her life condition through out our peoples company and she is much grateful to this peoplescompanybecausewhentheyarefacingsorroworhappinessmembersoftheir branchofPeopleCompanyhelpedher.

OurReporter:Howdoyoufeel,beingamemberofourpeoplesmovementbranch? Mrs.Hemanthi:ActuallyIamveryhappyandproudtobeamemberofthispeoples companybecausethroughthisIcouldmakebecomemydreamsrealityandnowI amabletofaceanychallengeofmylife,weareencouragedbyourleadershowtoface financialandnonfinancialproblems.

OurReporter:whatyoucouldfulfillthrough this? Mrs. Hemanthi: I still remember the situation when I became member of this branch at thattime Ihadanunder construct house. It was very difficult to live together suchshelterbutmyhusband,twodaughtersandIhavecreatedrelationshipamongour members and they approach to me when I feel happy or sorrow. Agreeing to our traditionthereisanattainpubertyceremonyatmyhome.Membersofmybranchcame and have prepared to lots of things for the ceremony. Their manpower cant be measured on money and it is very happy to me that two of my daughters attained pubertyinsamedaysandIwantedtotakeapartyforthatreasonsothatsosayingshe stoppedhersuccessfulstory. Conclusion:Thoughthesituationissoon,therearealargenumberofpeoplewhoare sufferingfromvariousproblemswhilewearespeakingonhumanrightsinanypartsof theworld,itdoesntdependondevelopingcountriesordevelopedcountries.Itissaid, that every thing cant be gain with money, sometime helpless one is with you, close them,youcanconsoletheirmindsometimeitmaybethepathtosolvetheirsuffer

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FromBusStationtoTheirOwnShelter
Many of people had to loss their habitat with a huge waveoftheoceanbecauseoftheoceanbecauseofhuge disaster happened in 2004. At that time Tsunami Disasterhadstolennotonlytheirproperties,butalsoit couldgainotherexpectation, familymembers, dreams andmanythingsofthosetheybelong.InKoggalaarea thereweresomefamilieswhohadtoliveatbusstation and they didnt have any faeilities and their situation wasverycritical.

Secours Populaire Francais SPF Organization was workinginSriLankaandtheywereinvolvedtomany effective programs to upgrade the grass root level peoples life in many areas. So they involved to solve thisprogram.Theybuiltnicecompletehousesandbout Rs.10, 000.00 of furniture was given to them. With the basofthiscontributionHELPOstartedthenetworking of people within this year. SPF Organization provides the houses for them but we could able to make a sustainableprogramtothemwithinvolveotherpeople of the area. During the past time they got many self employment loans, housing loans, sanitation loans. So HELPOcouldabletoconvertthisgreatefforttomore effectiveprocess. This news letter shows the updates of the HELPO program and projects even the services we could able to provide for the grass root level community. You can read about very success model which we have carried out in past in various sectors and some successful case studies from the ground level. We would like to hear your valuable comments to improve the organizations News Letter. We much appreciate yourcommentsregardingthisNewsLetter.

HUMAN & Environment Links Progressive Organization (HELP-O) No. 364/18 A, Samagi Mawatha, Dangedara, Galle, Sri Lanka T.P +94-91-4380121 / +94-91- 2226818 E- Mail helpogn@wow.lk URL www.helpo-srilanka.org