May 2010
In April 2009, Christian Aid launched an appeal to assist the thousands of people affected by the escalating conflict between Sri Lankan government forces and Tamil Tiger separatists.
At the height of the conflict, the UN estimated that 200,000 people were caught up in the violence and thousands were forced to seek refuge in transit camps.
One year on from the conflict
The conflict came to an end on 18 May 2009 when the government armed forces defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
A year on, and 76,000 people are still living in transit camps waiting to be resettled.
Those left in the camps tend to be woman with their families, widows, separated families or families with low income.
Families returning home, especially those living in the Northern Province where the fighting was heaviest, are often left living in temporary shelter as their houses were either destroyed or badly damaged by the conflict.
They have limited access to basic services such as medical care, water and sanitation because the country’s infrastructure was badly affected by the fighting.
Areas of the country were heavily landmined, making it difficult for those who have returned home to start farming and make a living again.
Christian Aid’s response
Christian Aid is still responding - helping those who remain in the transit camps and assisting those who are returning home.
Our partner OfERR is helping returnee families by:
• providing building materials for houses
• distributing food packages
• helping with access to clean water and sanitation
• starting income-generating activities.
For families who are unable to return home, OfERR is providing food, shelter, medical help, learning centres and play spaces for children.
In addition to this, OfERR continues to support 73,000 Sri Lankan refugees living in 115 camps in Tamil Nadu, India.
How you can help
Your donations to our Sri Lanka crisis appeal will help support this essential work.
