Background
About RITA
The Reading Initiative for Tsunami Action (RITA) is a network compromising many organisations and individuals including Reading based institutions, non-governmental organisations, firms, schools, local and national politicians, Reading Borough Council and Reading International Solidarity Centre.
About the Tsunami
On 26 December 2004 an earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale occurred deep in the Indian Ocean. Huge waves sent out by the quake devastated coastal communities in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Somalia and Thailand.
About Beruwala
Beruwala is an ancient sea port on the west coast of Sri Lanka. As with many coastal communities Beruwala was hit hard by the tsunami with devastating effect. The whole community suffered with many deaths, and many more made homeless and jobless.
About Reading
Reading is a town in Berkshire in the south of England. Its main attractions are the mediaeval abbey ruins, the rivers Thames and Kennet, the surrounding Thames Valley countryside, a major shopping centre, restaurant and pubs.