Apart from their previous house being overcrowded they also faced a sanitary and hygiene issues. Their bathing and sanitation area was located outside of the house - which was challenging to access at night especially for Saranapala. Their previous toilet was a fragile temporary structure which was made with tarpaulin covers. There was minimal privacy and was not a lockable structure. The roof of their house was constantly leaking whenever it rained and they did not have adequate space to stay or keep their belongings safe.

Saranapala says, feels that being selected to receive a home through Habitat’s Homes for Hope Project, has been the turning point in his life. Moving into their new Habitat home has been an amazing experience for Saranapala and Indrani. His wife Indrani, was especially moved by the generous support of the volunteers who supported Habitat Sri Lanka through the Global Village program. “I wanted to work alongside them to show them how much I appreciated their kindness.”