Saman was a freelance jeep driver in Yala National Park. On the morning of the tsunami, he was setting off on a game drive from Yala Safari Game Lodge when he saw the first wave hurtling towards him. After getting his clients safely into a tree, he died trying to rescue a colleague. His Land Rover was found 2 km away.

Saman’s widow, Dyani, was relying on £5 a month paid by a Buddhist charity with which to feed herself and her three children. She supplemented her income by making candles. Various people had made enquiries about repairing the Land Rover, raising her hopes, but no-one had followed through. For £800, Yala Fund paid for repairs to the Land Rover. It was fitted with a new engine and rebuilt from scratch. It was back on the road in time for the first anniversary of the tsunami, the busy season in Yala. Saman’s brother drives the Land Rover and pays an income to Dyani and her family. They no longer have to rely on charity.

Three safari drivers died in the tsunami. Yala Fund is helping each family earn an income.