Previous Condition

The condition of the Balapitiya Boys Home prior to the renovation including its electrical wiring, wet areas, study/ recreation facilities, kitchen / dining facilities are inadequate and were far below expected standards

The old building on the site is extremely run down and dilapidated. The house is a post colonial residence which has been converted into an orphanage. The old colonial house has great architectural and social value and hence will be conserved and renovated rather than demolished

The top floor room was not used due to irrepairable damage to the ceiling, water seepage, leaks in roof and lack of ventilation upstairs. The spaces are cramped and dark. There was no room for the children to place any personal belongings or have any personal space. There was limited outdoor and indoor play area.

The bathroom facilities were extremely poor. There were two outdoor toilets and two indoor toilets which were for both the staff and children. The shower facilities consisted of an outdoor cement slab next to the well in which the children were washed.

The kitchen facilities were totally inadequate. The laundry facilities were also inadequate. There was a washing machine in the home but it had been out of order for quite some time.