The Crisis: Groundwater in Pungudutivu is saline and unsafe. Kidney disease is rising. Residents currently rely on expensive transported water.
The Project: Install 3 x Industrial-Grade Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plants at strategic junctions (e.g., near the Hospital, Madathuveli, and Vallan). Unlike small filters, these are high-capacity units capable of supplying an entire village division.
Why this matters: You cannot repopulate a “Ghost Village” if there is no water to drink.
Estimated Investment:£4,000 per plant (approx. 15 Lakhs LKR).
Action for Diaspora: One Association can sponsor one entire plant.
🏥 Priority 2: Pungudutivu Base Hospital Revival
The Crisis: The hospital is neglected. There is no functioning dialysis unit (critical for an island with water issues) and no reliable emergency power. The elderly refuse to stay on the island because they fear a medical emergency.
The Project:
Dialysis Unit Setup: Procurement of 2 modern dialysis machines and water treatment support.
Solar Power Backup: To ensure the hospital runs 24/7 during power cuts.
Why this matters: It provides the “safety net” required for people to return and retire here.
Estimated Investment:£12,000 (approx. 45 Lakhs LKR) for the full unit.
Action for Diaspora: Medical Professionals (Doctors in UK/France) to form a consortium to fund and maintain this unit.
🏡 Priority 3: Heritage Tourism Pilot (The “Ghost” to “Guest” Strategy)
The Crisis: 90% of homes are empty and decaying. They are liabilities, not assets.
The Project: A “Heritage Homestay” Pilot Scheme.
Select 5 empty homes with good architecture.
Renovate them with modern toilets, solar power, and WiFi.
Train local youth as managers, cooks, and tour guides.
Why this matters: It turns “dead capital” (empty houses) into active income. It creates jobs for locals to maintain these properties year-round, not just during festivals.
Estimated Investment:£25,000 (Seed fund for 5 homes @ £5k each).
Action for Diaspora: Business owners to create an “Investment Trust” (not charity) to fund renovations in exchange for a percentage of future tourism revenue.
