"I have been living in this small temporary shelter since I was born. Now I am 30 years old." Annitta has never known anything else. The shelter lets in heat and offers little when rain comes. Her husband had an accident, three months in hospital, no savings. They borrowed to get ahead and were cheated. That debt is still there. A real home is all she wants for her kids.

"My child should not suffer any of the hardships I have suffered. She should be well in the place where I left off." Dharmini never finished school, the conflict took that from her. This month her husband had three days of work which means they have to borrow for food. Today is Vidhuja's birthday and all they could manage was a few chocolates to share with her friends

"We gave the shed to our daughter and we lived in a chicken cage for two years. We didn't have any other option at that time." Minnoly is 55 raising her two grandsons after their parents remarried and left them behind. She and her husband are at an age where most are looked after, but they are still doing seasonal labour just to keep food on the table and boys in school.

"My children's education will change our life." Uthayanithy said "I didn't cook yesterday."  Her husband hurt his leg and brings home 4000rupees a week for a family of five. When it rains the roof leaks so badly they have to leave their home. They were cheated out of money they borrowed and had to sell their land. That debt is still sitting heavily over their whole life.