Community Concern Society has been working for the past 28 years in the Dehiwela, Mount Lavinia, Ratmalana beach slums - which are located on the Western coastline of Sri Lanka and are suburbs of Colombo. One of the main income earners in this area is derived from the fishing industry. Due to its coastal location, tourism also contributes to the income of these residents while a potion is from casual labour. The average income of a family in this area is approximately Rs 3,500 (about US$ 30) per month.
The population has been estimated to comprise 1,000 families and 5,000 people prior to the Tsunami.
The people of the Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia beach community live in little huts situated on the shoreline. These huts comprise of just one room, where the living and cooking areas jostle for space. Due to the weather and quality of soil, there is hardly any agricultural activity or even home gardens. They are dependent on income generated on a daily basis and as such savings and investment for the future, be it monetary or education, is not part of their lifestyle.
Alcoholism, drugs and gambling are highly prevalent in these communities due to the very nature of their day-to-day existence. The close proximity of the tourist trade and perils from pedophiles is a constant threat to the security of children living in this community and is reflected along the coastline of Sri Lanka.
Due to the lack of education among the parents who do not value education, children are not sent to school nor are they discouraged from dropping out of school, after completing Primary School.
Women are vulnerable as domestic violence is common. Children are at risk of abuse, both sexually and physically, and are sometimes compelled to work at a very young age in order to make ends meet at home. Children are in danger of being targeted by pedophiles for the sex trade. Young girls below the age of 14 years are also susceptible to being abused and employed in the domestic labour sector where there is a high demand for female workers.
They have access to schools which offer both Primary and Secondary education. However, a large percentage of children are unable to follow the course and often drop out of the education system.
