About Building A Future Foundation

The Building A Future Foundation was created in 2006 as a long-term extension of the SLRT (Solideal Loadstar Rehabilitation Trust), a post tsunami reconstruction program.

Only few hours after the tsunami struck the Sri Lankan coast on 26th December 2004. Mr. Pierre Pringiers, Honorary Consul of Belgium in Sri Lanka and his business associates, the family Jinasena, both founders of Loadstar (Pvt) Ltd. (today Camoplast Solideal), initiated the SLRT in order to rebuild a part of the Southern coast of Sri Lanka.

SLRT could directly help 15 000 beneficiaries through fisheries, education, livelihood and permanent housing rehabilitation programs. This ambitious project of 5 million Euros could be achieved thanks to the financial support of important donors such as the French Red Cross, the Belgian Red Cross (Rode Kruis Vlaanderen and Croix Rouge de Belgique) and the Lions Club International Belgium and also thanks to donations from the trustees, various companies, organizations and individuals from around the world.

Immediate Relief Works – 2004

SLRT – Medical Help

Immediate Relief Works – 2004

SLRT – Road Cleaning

Long Term Activities

SLRT – New Houses

Long Term Activities

SLRT -Boat Engines Reparing

Long Term Activities

SLRT – 2 New Schools Constructed

In 2006, Pierre Pringiers was decorated “Chevalier de l’ordre de Léopold” by the King of Belgium Albert II in recognition for his humanitarian services. He also received the “Melvin Jones Fellow” from the Lions Club International Belgium (MD 112) for his achievements for the benefit of the victims of the tsunami. SLRT was recognized “Best housing project” by the UNHCR.

Our Mission

To improve the living conditions of underprivileged persons depending on the resources of the Ocean.

Our Values

Honesty and integrity. Respect for communities, environment and culture. Commitment and accountability.

Our Achievements

We believe inequality is at the root of nearly every injustice. To create meaningful, lasting change, we focus on nine interconnected areas.

Sashimi project

Development and introduction of 45 feet (14 m) innovative fishing boats, multihulls, with sails and engine for ecologic and economic deep-sea fishing.

Green boats

Retrofit of existing engine-driven fishing boats of 19 and 28 feet with mast & sails (see under Sashimi project) for economic and ecologic benefits (see under the Sashimi page)

Multi-skills training

More than 400 youth trained in various disciplines (boat building, sail making, mechanical and electrical engineering…)

Sailing classes

More than 250 youngsters trained (free of cost) at the Ruhunu Sailing Association.

Natural Fibers

Researches on natural fibers and production of biocomposite boats and boat related products.

Hybrid drive

Researches and development of a hybrid drive system for three-wheelers.

Creation of 7 SME’s

(social businesses and traditional businesses) and 2 non-profit associations.

Creation of mini-marinas.

Impact

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Youths trained

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Youths employed

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Beneficiaries

Impact Model

We have two training centers on the island—one is already operational, and the other is coming soon.

To empower

and provide vocational training to youth.

To incubate businesses

and provide vocational training to youth.

To generate

stable incomes for the young generation and their families.

Pursuing its objective of reintroducing sails in Sri Lanka, BAF developed innovative double powered fishing boats (long liners) intended to be replicated at large scale in other coastal regions of the world affected by overfishing close to the shore.

The Building A Future Foundation also aims at creating a sailing culture in the island and at developing a yachting industry from boat building, sails and masts making… to the creation of the infrastructure (mini-marinas) and chartering services. These economic activities are developed through the concept of social entrepreneurship and through North-South cooperation’s.