U.T.D.S. was formed in September 2004 by a group of local Sri Lankan residents who were intent on improving the beach resort of Unawatuna. A committee was elected and a constitution was written (to follow when translated ).

The aim of the society is to improve the resort and the general environment of the bay, which was voted one of the 10 best beaches in the world some 15 years ago.

Time and tourism had started to take it`s toll so the first thing to be done was to purchase a tractor and trailer , recruit 5 local men , and clean up the beach. Also to kick-start the campaign a team of professional divers (40) mostly from the Sri Lankan Navy volunteered their services to clean the sea bed , reef and coral in the bay. Over 500 kilos of rubbish was collected on the day. Also litter bins were placed at regular intervals along the bay to encourage tidiness.

There was also a problem with packs of dogs which hung around the guest houses and restaurants. A local (Galle)veterinary practice was consulted and a program of neutering was to be started.

Then came the Tsunami and the whole bay was devastated. The final death toll is not yet known but is thought to be in the region of 100 to 150. As the community is small and tight knit no family was spared in the destruction of 26th December. Almost all the houses were destroyed along with all the furniture, clothing and personal effects , family photos, birth and marriage certificates etc.

At the moment the wave struck, the aims of the society changed. Now the number one issue is to clear the debris,clean the wells and water supplies and rebuild the houses and with it the lives of the villagers.This is now well under way (no pun intended) and teams of men have pumped out the wells and sterilize them with chlorine. We have also organize 3 teams of JCB`s and lorries to clear the broken homes.

Long term aims are to rebuild the homes and with it the lives of the people of the village. This will take both time and funds to achieve. However I am amazed at the strength of spirit of the people. After 2 or 3 days of grieving, the whole atmosphere changed and smiles started to return.

As a local society and with local knowledge we feel we are best suited to meet the needs of the people. All moneys donated will be given to help the victims. There will be no deduction for expenses so you can be certain that 100% of funds will be used to maximum effect. The society is fully transparent and properly audited funds will be regularly displayed on this site, together with regular updates on how the money is being spent. The local businessmen have been asked for donations and all have responded positively.

The formation of UTDS is based on the following two levels to regularize its operations.

• Executive Body (EB)
• Management Body (MB)