The mass-circulation Sinhalese-language Lankadeepa daily said local architect Bathiya Rajapakse formed the association in the southern town of Balapitiya after failing to obtain relief for the neediest survivors.

Just over 31,000 people were killed and a million left homeless in the December 26 tsunami, which also triggered a huge outpouring of international sympathy and aid.

However, most of the survivors say they have yet to receive the transitional shelter promised by the authorities despite government claims that nearly 50,000 shelters had been put up within six months of the disaster.