WITH loudhailers hitched to the tallest palmyrah trees, Tamil-speaking soldiers of the Sri Lanka army had for weeks been urging civilians inside a dwindling strip of territory held by the rebel Tamil Tigers to break through their cordon and flee. But since April 20th, when the army burst an embankment at Putumattalan, the authorities have been overwhelmed by the thousands pouring out. The Tigers’ defences were less to keep the army out than to fence the civilians in.
The government had expected an exodus far smaller than the one which came, bringing 114,520 civilians in the next nine days. Since January an estimated 190,000 have fled. The UN’s assessment that there were originally around 250,000 trapped civilians, dismissed as exaggerated by the government, now looks roughly right. Read more ...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sri Lanka's South unites to help North
We Sri Lankan citizens make up a nation most unfairly treated by the so- called International Community in recent times. Any discernible person would perceive this on seeing the large crowds thronging at places where aid is collected for the war affected people in the North. Thousands of men, women and children are seen handing over food, clothes, sanitary goods, toys, etc, to the best of their ability.
At present, there are over dozen such aid collecting programs sponsored by the state and non-state institutions. Aid collecting centres have been established in every major town, whereas vehicle conveys are traveling across the country receiving donations made even at the remotest village. No one had to ask them to make donations; it is the spontaneous response of the Sri Lankan citizens to the sufferings of their own brethren. One cannot see any racial barrier to their compassion, but there is a firm resolution on their faces. A resolve to stand against all odds and to help their brethren is clear on every face. Read more ...
At present, there are over dozen such aid collecting programs sponsored by the state and non-state institutions. Aid collecting centres have been established in every major town, whereas vehicle conveys are traveling across the country receiving donations made even at the remotest village. No one had to ask them to make donations; it is the spontaneous response of the Sri Lankan citizens to the sufferings of their own brethren. One cannot see any racial barrier to their compassion, but there is a firm resolution on their faces. A resolve to stand against all odds and to help their brethren is clear on every face. Read more ...
Sri Lankan missions request community members to lend a helping hand
The Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in the UAE have requested community members to come forward and give a helping hand to the conflict-hit people in Sri Lanka.
The aid will be directed to the internally displaced people (IDPs).
The Consulate will start its aid collection from May 15 from 9am to 12:30pm and from 5pm to 7pm at the consulate premises. Read more ...
The aid will be directed to the internally displaced people (IDPs).
The Consulate will start its aid collection from May 15 from 9am to 12:30pm and from 5pm to 7pm at the consulate premises. Read more ...
Air Force allocates cargo aircraft to send relief items received from public
Sri Lanka Air Force has allocated several cargo aircraft to transport increasing stocks of relief items provided by the public.
According to the Government Information Department, large stocks of relief items are being received from all parts of the country as the whole nation is united to help people displaced in the North. Read more ...
According to the Government Information Department, large stocks of relief items are being received from all parts of the country as the whole nation is united to help people displaced in the North. Read more ...
Sri Lanka urgently needs water bowsers
Sri Lanka's Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services asked the people in the country to provide water bowsers to transport water for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North. The Ministry said it is lacking enough bowsers needed for the delivery of water and urgently needs several bowsers.
The Ministry requested the public to help the government and has allocated a special telephone number to contact them over the issue. Read more ...
The Ministry requested the public to help the government and has allocated a special telephone number to contact them over the issue. Read more ...
French mobile hospital commences operations in Sri Lanka
The mobile hospital donated by the French government has commenced its operations at Chettikulam in Vavuniya yesterday.
The Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services said that the new mobile hospital is equipped with 100 beds and all other medical equipments.
Nearly 30 French medical personnel including few specialist doctors are working at this mobile hospital to treat the sick and wounded civilians living in welfare centers in Vavuniya. Read more ...
The Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services said that the new mobile hospital is equipped with 100 beds and all other medical equipments.
Nearly 30 French medical personnel including few specialist doctors are working at this mobile hospital to treat the sick and wounded civilians living in welfare centers in Vavuniya. Read more ...
UNHCR launches IDP return support in Northern Sri Lanka
As thousands of new internally displaced persons (IDPs) arrive in new IDP camps in Vavuniya, Jaffna and Trincomalee, the first Government organised return movement to Musali in Mannar district marks the start of IDP return in Northern Sri Lanka.
Today some 411 IDPs returned to Saveriyarpuram village in Musali DS division. They were displaced about two years ago and have since lived in camps and with host families in Mannar district. For this first IDP return phase in Northern Sri Lanka, some 3,000 IDPs have registered to return to 15 villages in Musali DS division over the coming weeks. This is the first time in years that IDPs are able to return home in Mannar district, which was marked by the frontline between Government and LTTE positions for a long time.
"UNHCR welcomes this development, the return movement is a small but important starting point." said UNHCR Representative Amin Awad. "We hope that IDP return to other areas in Northern Sri Lanka will soon also be possible" he added. Read more ...
Today some 411 IDPs returned to Saveriyarpuram village in Musali DS division. They were displaced about two years ago and have since lived in camps and with host families in Mannar district. For this first IDP return phase in Northern Sri Lanka, some 3,000 IDPs have registered to return to 15 villages in Musali DS division over the coming weeks. This is the first time in years that IDPs are able to return home in Mannar district, which was marked by the frontline between Government and LTTE positions for a long time.
"UNHCR welcomes this development, the return movement is a small but important starting point." said UNHCR Representative Amin Awad. "We hope that IDP return to other areas in Northern Sri Lanka will soon also be possible" he added. Read more ...
Sri Lanka government commences its resettlement process in the North
Sri Lanka government today took the first step to resettle some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Mannar after completing the demining process of several areas in Mannar.
The Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services said that they have resettled 122 families at their own villages in Mannar. Read more ...
The Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services said that they have resettled 122 families at their own villages in Mannar. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: civilians caught up in battle
Sebastian 29, lived in a district neighbouring Mullaitivu with his wife and three-year-old son. In September 2008 he left his wife and child behind and went to Mullaitivu for a family gathering. However, he was unable to leave the area after the main road back home was closed as a result of the escalating conflict. He remained with his mother in Mullaitivu, where his family home was, but was eventually displaced by the fighting. Mother and son have been displaced eight times since October 2008.
His mother was his travelling companion as they sheltered in public buildings, and under tarpaulins and trees, seeking refuge from the conflict. Wincing with pain as he adjusted the sling on his arm, he explained that they were able to purchase a little food with the money they had and also received a food parcel donated by the Indian government to tide them over during those days.
During the fourth displacement, Sebastian’s mother was wounded by a shell and hen took her to the "Mathalan hospital", which the makeshift health structure in Putumattalan has now fondly come to be known as, among its patients. After leaving his mother in the "Mathalan hospital", Sebastian continued his nomadic existence until he too was injured in the arm by shrapnel. Read more ...
His mother was his travelling companion as they sheltered in public buildings, and under tarpaulins and trees, seeking refuge from the conflict. Wincing with pain as he adjusted the sling on his arm, he explained that they were able to purchase a little food with the money they had and also received a food parcel donated by the Indian government to tide them over during those days.
During the fourth displacement, Sebastian’s mother was wounded by a shell and hen took her to the "Mathalan hospital", which the makeshift health structure in Putumattalan has now fondly come to be known as, among its patients. After leaving his mother in the "Mathalan hospital", Sebastian continued his nomadic existence until he too was injured in the arm by shrapnel. Read more ...
Caught in the Crossfire: Sri Lanka Crisis
As a violent civil war wanes in Sri Lanka, AmeriCares is working hard delivering and preparing emergency medical aid. One shipment of nearly $500,000 worth of aid has arrived and more emergency aid is being prepared. Intense fighting in northeastern Sri Lanka caused mass casualties and displaced over 100,000 innocent people. Accounts by survivors paint a picture of a true humanitarian crisis.
The most recent shipment of vital medicines and supplies to help treat people hurt in the bloody conflict has arrived and is slated for delivery in the coming days.
"We are working closely with the Ministry of Health to determine how we may provide more assistance," reported Lisa Hilmi, AmeriCares Sri Lanka Country Director. Read more ...
The most recent shipment of vital medicines and supplies to help treat people hurt in the bloody conflict has arrived and is slated for delivery in the coming days.
"We are working closely with the Ministry of Health to determine how we may provide more assistance," reported Lisa Hilmi, AmeriCares Sri Lanka Country Director. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: thousands of civilians still trapped
Thousands of civilians still trapped and at risk inside the conflict area "Given the catastrophic situation of thousands of displaced, sick and wounded people still in the conflict area, the parties must do more to protect them and must allow more food and medicine into the area," said Monica Zanarelli, the ICRC's deputy head of operations for South Asia.
Since 10 February, the ICRC has evacuated close to 12,400 people – the sick and wounded and their accompanying relatives – from the conflict area by boat.
The ICRC carried out its 28th evacuation on 29 April, with over 520 persons aboard the Green Ocean, an ICRC-chartered ferry. Read more ...
Sri Lanka Navy assists ICRC in evacuation of civilians
Since 10 February, the ICRC has evacuated close to 12,400 people – the sick and wounded and their accompanying relatives – from the conflict area by boat.
The ICRC carried out its 28th evacuation on 29 April, with over 520 persons aboard the Green Ocean, an ICRC-chartered ferry. Read more ...
Sri Lanka Navy assists ICRC in evacuation of civilians
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 3
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner arrived in Sri Lanka on 29 April 2009 and visited the Kataragama model village and Cheddikulam hospital in Vavuniya. They called on the Government to end its military operations and allow humanitarian aid to be delivered to the conflict zone.
The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs committed US$ 3.15 million in humanitarian assistance for Sri Lanka on 29 April 2009. In a press release, he restated his view that the safety and protection of civilians must be the absolute priority for all sides engaged in fighting in northern Sri Lanka. Australia also urged that a UN humanitarian team in Sri Lanka be given access to the conflict zone. Read more ...
The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs committed US$ 3.15 million in humanitarian assistance for Sri Lanka on 29 April 2009. In a press release, he restated his view that the safety and protection of civilians must be the absolute priority for all sides engaged in fighting in northern Sri Lanka. Australia also urged that a UN humanitarian team in Sri Lanka be given access to the conflict zone. Read more ...
Sri Lanka seeks US$ 100m for war displaced: Minister
Sri Lanka is seeking 100 million dollars urgently in foreign aid for nearly 200,000 civilians displaced by its offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels, a minister said Wednesday.
"I hope we get the full amount of 100 million dollars, but we urgently need part of it to pay for our ongoing expenses," Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told AFP. Read more ...
"I hope we get the full amount of 100 million dollars, but we urgently need part of it to pay for our ongoing expenses," Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told AFP. Read more ...
Oxfam International Aids Thousands Displaced in Sri Lanka
Oxfam International is now providing emergency relief to over 36,000 civilians who have fled fighting between Sri Lankan troops and LTTE rebels in the past few days, amid fears for thousands more women, men and children trapped behind rebel lines.
Working closely with Sri Lankan partner organizations, Oxfam is providing primarily clean water, sanitation and public health assistance to families arriving in government-controlled areas, as well as cooked food and other essential relief items. Plans are in place to assist up to 60,000 more. Read more ...
Working closely with Sri Lankan partner organizations, Oxfam is providing primarily clean water, sanitation and public health assistance to families arriving in government-controlled areas, as well as cooked food and other essential relief items. Plans are in place to assist up to 60,000 more. Read more ...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
New UK support for victims of Sri Lankan conflict
With camps for displaced people struggling to cope with the floods of people escaping the conflict zone, visiting Minister for International Development, Mike Foster, called on the Sri Lankan government to do everything possible to enable humanitarian agencies to help these vulnerable people.
Over 110,000 people have fled to the safety of the camps in the last week after spending months exposed to heavy fighting, however, an estimated 50,000 people remain trapped by the fighting.
Commenting on the humanitarian situation, Mike Foster said:
“I welcome the Government’s announcement that it will end combat operations in the conflict zone, and I call on both sides to allow civilians a safe passage to get to a place of safety.
“In order to ensure that the most urgent needs of all civilians are met, humanitarian agencies must be given access to both the Vanni region and to the camps. The Sri Lankan government must also fast-track visas for humanitarian workers and the movement of all humanitarian goods into the affected areas. Currently, desperately needed supplies are being delayed by administrative procedures.”
During his visit, Mike Foster visited Vavuniya where he saw two of the transit camps where arrivals from the conflict zone are first accommodated. Read more ...
Over 110,000 people have fled to the safety of the camps in the last week after spending months exposed to heavy fighting, however, an estimated 50,000 people remain trapped by the fighting.
Commenting on the humanitarian situation, Mike Foster said:
“I welcome the Government’s announcement that it will end combat operations in the conflict zone, and I call on both sides to allow civilians a safe passage to get to a place of safety.
“In order to ensure that the most urgent needs of all civilians are met, humanitarian agencies must be given access to both the Vanni region and to the camps. The Sri Lankan government must also fast-track visas for humanitarian workers and the movement of all humanitarian goods into the affected areas. Currently, desperately needed supplies are being delayed by administrative procedures.”
During his visit, Mike Foster visited Vavuniya where he saw two of the transit camps where arrivals from the conflict zone are first accommodated. Read more ...
Resettlement of IDP in the North from tomorrow
The Government will commence its programme to resettle IDPs from the Mannar District tomorrow (30) with the participation of high ranking politicians, Presidential Secretariat sources said yesterday.
Minister of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Rishard A. Badhuideen said the Treasury would fund the initial cost of the resettlement programme. The Resettlement of IDPs under the Uthuru Vasanthaye programme was being implemented on the lines of the Nagenahira Navodaya Programme in the Eastern Province.
Minister Badhuideen, formerly a displaced person from the Mannar District said that the gratitude of all should go to Secretary of Defence Col. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the valiant members of the Security Forces and Police for liberating the district from the clutches of the LTTE terrorists making way for the innocent civilians to be resettled. Read more ...
Minister of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Rishard A. Badhuideen said the Treasury would fund the initial cost of the resettlement programme. The Resettlement of IDPs under the Uthuru Vasanthaye programme was being implemented on the lines of the Nagenahira Navodaya Programme in the Eastern Province.
Minister Badhuideen, formerly a displaced person from the Mannar District said that the gratitude of all should go to Secretary of Defence Col. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the valiant members of the Security Forces and Police for liberating the district from the clutches of the LTTE terrorists making way for the innocent civilians to be resettled. Read more ...
India provides One Billion Indian Rupees relief
India announces a grant of Indian Rs.1 billion for relief and rehabilitation for displaced Tamil civilians in the North, The Hindu reported yesterday.
Meanwhile, India extending an overwhelming humanitarian support to Sri Lanka set up an Indian funded hospital in Pulmudai and sent an additional batch of Indian doctors to Sri Lanka in March this year to provide medical aid to the displaced civilians. Read more ...
Meanwhile, India extending an overwhelming humanitarian support to Sri Lanka set up an Indian funded hospital in Pulmudai and sent an additional batch of Indian doctors to Sri Lanka in March this year to provide medical aid to the displaced civilians. Read more ...
RCA carries out relief operations in Sri Lanka
The Red Crescent Authority of UAE (RCA) is carrying out humanitarian operations in the North Eastern Sri Lanka to alleviate the sufferings of people affected by the recent incidents there.
The RCA is distributing basic needs like food, medicine, blankets and other requirements among the families who had to flee their homes in the wake of the conflict. Read more ...
The RCA is distributing basic needs like food, medicine, blankets and other requirements among the families who had to flee their homes in the wake of the conflict. Read more ...
BASL calls for aid for IDPs
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka in a press release issued yesterday called upon its members to assist its endeavour to provide relief aid to internally displaced persons.
The BASL Secretariat situated at No.153, Mihindu Mawatha, Colombo 12 will collect bottled water, medicine, dry foods, milk powder, toiletry, new clothes, towels, bed linen or cash donations from May 2 to May 9 during office hours. For further details please contact U. Rohan de Silva, on telephone numbers 2447134 or 0777764521.
The BASL Secretariat situated at No.153, Mihindu Mawatha, Colombo 12 will collect bottled water, medicine, dry foods, milk powder, toiletry, new clothes, towels, bed linen or cash donations from May 2 to May 9 during office hours. For further details please contact U. Rohan de Silva, on telephone numbers 2447134 or 0777764521.
SRI LANKA: EMERGENCY RELIEF FOR THE DISPLACED
UMCOR's Sri Lanka office is working on the ground with other humanitarian aid organizations to provide emergency assistance to thousands who are being forced to flee from intense fighting in the northern region of Sri Lanka.
Thanks to an umbrella grant from the US Agency of International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA), UMCOR is reaching the most vulnerable to provide 60,000 emergency kits that include water, glucose, and biscuits as well as help build 4,400 emergency shelters and 800 duplex-toilets for displaced people fleeing to Vavuniya. Read more ...
Thanks to an umbrella grant from the US Agency of International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA), UMCOR is reaching the most vulnerable to provide 60,000 emergency kits that include water, glucose, and biscuits as well as help build 4,400 emergency shelters and 800 duplex-toilets for displaced people fleeing to Vavuniya. Read more ...
Mercy Corps Prepares to Meet Overwhelming Humanitarian Needs in Sri Lanka
Portland, OR - The global relief and development agency Mercy Corps is mounting a humanitarian response to the growing crisis in northern Sri Lanka, where more than 90,000 people have fled fighting between Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan army in the past week.
An estimated 190,000 Sri Lankans are living in camps located in government-controlled areas; at least another 50,000 remained trapped inside the conflict zone, according to the United Nations.
"Civilians are caught in the middle of this conflict. Tens of thousands of families have fled into severely overcrowded and under-resourced displacement camps," explained Randy Martin, director of Mercy Corps' Global Emergency Operations team. "There are desperate needs for water, sanitation services, medicine and other basics." Read more ...
An estimated 190,000 Sri Lankans are living in camps located in government-controlled areas; at least another 50,000 remained trapped inside the conflict zone, according to the United Nations.
"Civilians are caught in the middle of this conflict. Tens of thousands of families have fled into severely overcrowded and under-resourced displacement camps," explained Randy Martin, director of Mercy Corps' Global Emergency Operations team. "There are desperate needs for water, sanitation services, medicine and other basics." Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 2
This situation report covers the period from 27 to 28 April 2009. The next report will be issued on or around 29 April.
I. Highlights
- 30 metric tons of food were ferried yesterday by the ICRC to the conflict zone.
- ICRC was planning to evacuate 481 people from the conflict zone today and additional evacuations are planned for Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 April. Since February, ICRC has evacuated by ferry 10,000 civilians from the Vanni, 50% of whom were injured.
- The Competent Authority (CA), appointed by the Government to coordinate all relief efforts on behalf displaced civilians, has announced that the authorities will not send any more IDPs to Menik Farm zone 2 for the next ten days. Read more ...
I. Highlights
- 30 metric tons of food were ferried yesterday by the ICRC to the conflict zone.
- ICRC was planning to evacuate 481 people from the conflict zone today and additional evacuations are planned for Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 April. Since February, ICRC has evacuated by ferry 10,000 civilians from the Vanni, 50% of whom were injured.
- The Competent Authority (CA), appointed by the Government to coordinate all relief efforts on behalf displaced civilians, has announced that the authorities will not send any more IDPs to Menik Farm zone 2 for the next ten days. Read more ...
The IRC Responds to Critical Needs in War-torn Sri Lanka
Amid growing fears of a humanitarian catastrophe, the IRC is preparing to launch programs to help bring aid to thousands of displaced Tamils in government-controlled camps in northern Sri Lanka.
Over the weekend, the IRC’s Sri Lanka representative Gordon Bacon assessed conditions in the Menik Farm camp near the town of Vavuniya, where approximately 100,000 people have sought shelter. Some of the displaced here, who have fled the recent flare-up in fighting between the Sri Lankan army and the Tamil Tiger rebel group, live under tents and tarpaulins in sweltering, unsanitary conditions. The 40,000 most recent arrivals, however, are forced to live in the open due to a lack of shelter materials. Read more ...
Over the weekend, the IRC’s Sri Lanka representative Gordon Bacon assessed conditions in the Menik Farm camp near the town of Vavuniya, where approximately 100,000 people have sought shelter. Some of the displaced here, who have fled the recent flare-up in fighting between the Sri Lankan army and the Tamil Tiger rebel group, live under tents and tarpaulins in sweltering, unsanitary conditions. The 40,000 most recent arrivals, however, are forced to live in the open due to a lack of shelter materials. Read more ...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Crisis In Sri Lanka: UNICEF Airlifts 50 Tonnes Of Emergency Supplies As Numbers In Urgent Need Swell
UNICEF said that 50 metric tonnes of airlifted emergency relief supplies landed today in Colombo. The supplies will immediately be sent to northern Sri Lanka to meet some of the most urgent needs of more than 100,000 people who have fled fierce fighting over the past week.
The emergency airlift includes nutritional supplies, water treatment units for safe water, oral rehydration salts, and medical supplies. An additional airlift will follow on Tuesday. Read more ...
The emergency airlift includes nutritional supplies, water treatment units for safe water, oral rehydration salts, and medical supplies. An additional airlift will follow on Tuesday. Read more ...
Caritas pledges support for people of Sri Lanka
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has pledged NZ$50,000 to support civilian victims in Sri Lanka's civil war, as the government closes in on Tamil Tiger rebels in the north.
Caritas Director Mike Smith says the funds will contribute to a Caritas Internationalis appeal for NZ$4.35 million to help 100,000 people with food, water, medicines, shelter and trauma counselling.
Mr Smith says it's extremely distressing that the civil war has come to this point with hundreds of thousands of civilians lacking protection. "Our partner Caritas Sri Lanka reports that tens of thousands remain trapped in rebel-held territory, while more than 130,000 have fled to government-run camps where military forces are preoccupied with security and fears of rebel infiltration," says Mr Smith. Read more ...
Caritas Director Mike Smith says the funds will contribute to a Caritas Internationalis appeal for NZ$4.35 million to help 100,000 people with food, water, medicines, shelter and trauma counselling.
Mr Smith says it's extremely distressing that the civil war has come to this point with hundreds of thousands of civilians lacking protection. "Our partner Caritas Sri Lanka reports that tens of thousands remain trapped in rebel-held territory, while more than 130,000 have fled to government-run camps where military forces are preoccupied with security and fears of rebel infiltration," says Mr Smith. Read more ...
Sri Lanka coping with twin humanitarian crises, top UN official says on visit
28 April 2009 – The United Nations humanitarian chief warned today that Sri Lanka faces what amounts to two distinct crises, as he toured camps for people who fled fighting in the country’s north between Government troops and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
“There are still tens of thousands of people trapped on a small patch of territory in the north, with the LTTE refusing to let them leave, and with fighting continuing,” said Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes. Read more ...
“There are still tens of thousands of people trapped on a small patch of territory in the north, with the LTTE refusing to let them leave, and with fighting continuing,” said Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes. Read more ...
Sri Lanka coping with twin humanitarian crises, top UN official says on visit
28 April 2009 – The United Nations humanitarian chief warned today that Sri Lanka faces what amounts to two distinct crises, as he toured camps for people who fled fighting in the country’s north between Government troops and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
“There are still tens of thousands of people trapped on a small patch of territory in the north, with the LTTE refusing to let them leave, and with fighting continuing,” said Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes. Read more ...
“There are still tens of thousands of people trapped on a small patch of territory in the north, with the LTTE refusing to let them leave, and with fighting continuing,” said Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes. Read more ...
UNICEF humanitarian action update - 28 April 2009
CRISIS FOR CHILDREN: 100,000 CIVILIANS FLEE CONFLICT ZONE, AND TENS OF THOUSANDS STILL TRAPPED
- Over the past days the number of IDPs who have managed to escape the fighting has more than doubled, to at least 170,000.
- Amid fierce fighting and an unknown number of civilian deaths, close to 100,000 people fled the conflict zone and entered Government territory between Monday 20 April and Thursday 23 April. There are tens of thousands of civilians still trapped, and the total number of IDPs in need of assistance might soon reach a quarter of a million people. Read more ...
- Over the past days the number of IDPs who have managed to escape the fighting has more than doubled, to at least 170,000.
- Amid fierce fighting and an unknown number of civilian deaths, close to 100,000 people fled the conflict zone and entered Government territory between Monday 20 April and Thursday 23 April. There are tens of thousands of civilians still trapped, and the total number of IDPs in need of assistance might soon reach a quarter of a million people. Read more ...
UNICEF humanitarian action update - 28 April 2009
CRISIS FOR CHILDREN: 100,000 CIVILIANS FLEE CONFLICT ZONE, AND TENS OF THOUSANDS STILL TRAPPED
- Over the past days the number of IDPs who have managed to escape the fighting has more than doubled, to at least 170,000.
- Amid fierce fighting and an unknown number of civilian deaths, close to 100,000 people fled the conflict zone and entered Government territory between Monday 20 April and Thursday 23 April. There are tens of thousands of civilians still trapped, and the total number of IDPs in need of assistance might soon reach a quarter of a million people. Read more ...
- Over the past days the number of IDPs who have managed to escape the fighting has more than doubled, to at least 170,000.
- Amid fierce fighting and an unknown number of civilian deaths, close to 100,000 people fled the conflict zone and entered Government territory between Monday 20 April and Thursday 23 April. There are tens of thousands of civilians still trapped, and the total number of IDPs in need of assistance might soon reach a quarter of a million people. Read more ...
Caught in the Crossfire: Sri Lanka Crisis
As a violent civil war wanes in Sri Lanka, AmeriCares is working hard delivering and preparing emergency medical aid. One shipment of nearly $500,000 worth of aid has arrived and more emergency aid is being prepared. Intense fighting in northeastern Sri Lanka caused mass casualties and displaced over 100,000 innocent people. Accounts by survivors paint a picture of a true humanitarian crisis.
The most recent shipment of vital medicines and supplies to help treat people hurt in the bloody conflict has arrived and is slated for delivery in the coming days.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Health to determine how we may provide more assistance,” reported Lisa Hilmi, AmeriCares Sri Lanka Country Director. Read more ...
The most recent shipment of vital medicines and supplies to help treat people hurt in the bloody conflict has arrived and is slated for delivery in the coming days.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Health to determine how we may provide more assistance,” reported Lisa Hilmi, AmeriCares Sri Lanka Country Director. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: IOM races to provide shelter, sanitation, as displaced flood into Vavuniya
With a flood of over 110,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in the past ten days into Vavuniya, the government-controlled district adjoining the LTTE conflict zone, IOM is racing to provide shelter and sanitation for nearly 40,000 new arrivals.
The IOM Vavuniya team, which now numbers over 130, including 30 staff and 100 locally recruited labourers, has already built 2,500 emergency shelters but is now turning to tents as the fastest way to shelter the IDPs from the extreme heat. IOM Sri Lanka has 400 tents in stock and is flying in a further 4,000 to Colombo from Dubai and China on 29 April.
"Many of the new arrivals have been displaced repeatedly by the conflict. Some are injured, they have had very little medical care, almost no food and water and have had to walk for days. They need help now and we have to move fast," says IOM Sri Lanka Chief of Mission Mohammed Abdiker. Read more ...
The IOM Vavuniya team, which now numbers over 130, including 30 staff and 100 locally recruited labourers, has already built 2,500 emergency shelters but is now turning to tents as the fastest way to shelter the IDPs from the extreme heat. IOM Sri Lanka has 400 tents in stock and is flying in a further 4,000 to Colombo from Dubai and China on 29 April.
"Many of the new arrivals have been displaced repeatedly by the conflict. Some are injured, they have had very little medical care, almost no food and water and have had to walk for days. They need help now and we have to move fast," says IOM Sri Lanka Chief of Mission Mohammed Abdiker. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 1
This report was issued by OCHA Headquarters. It covers the period from 24 to 27 April 2009. The next report will be issued on or around 28 April.
Highlights
There has been an increase of some 40,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) over the past few days, bringing the total to over 150,000 IDPs in the IDP camps in Vavuniya, Jaffna, Mannar and Trincomalee. UN estimates that 50,000 people still trapped in the conflict zone.
The United Nation Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC), John Holmes, arrived in country on 26 April for a two day visit. On 27 April he visited Vavuniya, where he met with people in the Manic Farm camps (zones 2 and 3), as well as the Omanthai screening point. Read more and download report ...
Highlights
There has been an increase of some 40,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) over the past few days, bringing the total to over 150,000 IDPs in the IDP camps in Vavuniya, Jaffna, Mannar and Trincomalee. UN estimates that 50,000 people still trapped in the conflict zone.
The United Nation Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC), John Holmes, arrived in country on 26 April for a two day visit. On 27 April he visited Vavuniya, where he met with people in the Manic Farm camps (zones 2 and 3), as well as the Omanthai screening point. Read more and download report ...
Sri Lanka: UN ramps up aid to over 150,000 displaced by conflict
27 April 2009 – The United Nations refugee agency today began an emergency airlift operation targeting the some 150,000 people uprooted by intense armed conflict between Government forces and separatist Tamil rebels in Sri Lanka, as the world body’s top relief official continues his visit to the South Asian nation.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), there are at least 50,000 people still trapped in the conflict zone, which has shrunk to less than 10 square kilometres. Read more ...
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), there are at least 50,000 people still trapped in the conflict zone, which has shrunk to less than 10 square kilometres. Read more ...
Sri Lanka Air Force airlifts 150 MT of food
Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said the Air Force on its humanitarian mission airlifted around 150 metric tons of essential food items and instant foods for the currently rescued civilians from the No Fire Zone.
He said the Air Force is committed day and night to carry out their contribution to reach cooked and other essential food items donated by organizations, companies, business communities and individuals to the displaced civilians in the Vanni. Read more ...
He said the Air Force is committed day and night to carry out their contribution to reach cooked and other essential food items donated by organizations, companies, business communities and individuals to the displaced civilians in the Vanni. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: MSF Looks to Increase Assistance While Injured Continue to Arrive
Paul McMaster, an MSF surgeon working at Vavuniya hospital, described the situation on the night of April 26.
Medical staff are still working around the clock and the situation is changing day to day. The number of patients admitted requiring emergency surgery dropped quite sharply before the weekend. On April 23 we had 44 new patients, the first day the figure was below 100 since last Sunday. On April 24 we only had 18.
I have had no indication that fewer casualties are coming from the north, but because we have a backlog they are now trying to divert patients to other hospitals.
There are still people crowded in the wards, in the corridors, on the floor—with fractures, open bullet wounds and blast injuries. There are many people who have been waiting on the wards to go into theatre, some of them for up to 24 hours. Read more ...
Medical staff are still working around the clock and the situation is changing day to day. The number of patients admitted requiring emergency surgery dropped quite sharply before the weekend. On April 23 we had 44 new patients, the first day the figure was below 100 since last Sunday. On April 24 we only had 18.
I have had no indication that fewer casualties are coming from the north, but because we have a backlog they are now trying to divert patients to other hospitals.
There are still people crowded in the wards, in the corridors, on the floor—with fractures, open bullet wounds and blast injuries. There are many people who have been waiting on the wards to go into theatre, some of them for up to 24 hours. Read more ...
Monday, April 27, 2009
Caritas helps war victims in Sri Lanka
Caritas says that civilians are paying too high a cost for the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka and is calling for both sides to accept a ceasefire.
Hundreds of thousands of people in dire need are leaving rebel held territory in Vanni in the north of the country after months of intense combat between government forces and Tamil Tiger (LTTE) rebels and are now in government run camps.
Caritas is providing cooked meals to new arrivals, medical support, counselling for trauma, and will be working on providing schooling for children. Read more ...
Hundreds of thousands of people in dire need are leaving rebel held territory in Vanni in the north of the country after months of intense combat between government forces and Tamil Tiger (LTTE) rebels and are now in government run camps.
Caritas is providing cooked meals to new arrivals, medical support, counselling for trauma, and will be working on providing schooling for children. Read more ...
Rs. 2 million as emergency relief from China
The Chinese Government has donated Rs. 2 million to the Government of Sri Lanka as emergency relief assistance to civilians who had fled the LTTE, Foreign Ministry sources said. Read more ...
First UNHCR emergency airlift flight for Sri Lanka arrives in Colombo
A UNHCR emergency airlift carrying humanitarian aid for tens of thousands of people displaced by fighting in north-eastern Sri Lanka began Monday morning with the arrival in Colombo of a plane carrying 2,850 family-sized tents from the refugee agency's central stockpiles in Dubai.
The giant Boeing 747 cargo plane, the first of two scheduled flights to deliver more than 200 tonnes of UNHCR tents, landed in Colombo at 10:45 a.m. local time. The family tents will be used in the north of the country to help shelter thousands of people uprooted in recent fighting between government forces and Tamil rebels. Read more ...
The giant Boeing 747 cargo plane, the first of two scheduled flights to deliver more than 200 tonnes of UNHCR tents, landed in Colombo at 10:45 a.m. local time. The family tents will be used in the north of the country to help shelter thousands of people uprooted in recent fighting between government forces and Tamil rebels. Read more ...
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Health posts for IDPs to be run by MERCY Malaysia
MERCY Malaysia today announced that it has kick-started a medical project in Sri Lanka to assist people who have been internally displaced due to ongoing conflict.
MERCY Malaysia also announced the launch of its Sri Lanka Relief Fund to pay for relief projects in Manic Farm, Cheddikulam district.
"We will be turning four 40-foot containers into health centres. These health centres will be equipped with outpatient and in-patient facilities to ensure IDPs are able to access adequate primary healthcare," Acting President Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus said today. Read more ...
MERCY Malaysia also announced the launch of its Sri Lanka Relief Fund to pay for relief projects in Manic Farm, Cheddikulam district.
"We will be turning four 40-foot containers into health centres. These health centres will be equipped with outpatient and in-patient facilities to ensure IDPs are able to access adequate primary healthcare," Acting President Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus said today. Read more ...
Health posts for IDPs to be run by MERCY Malaysia
MERCY Malaysia today announced that it has kick-started a medical project in Sri Lanka to assist people who have been internally displaced due to ongoing conflict.
MERCY Malaysia also announced the launch of its Sri Lanka Relief Fund to pay for relief projects in Manic Farm, Cheddikulam district.
"We will be turning four 40-foot containers into health centres. These health centres will be equipped with outpatient and in-patient facilities to ensure IDPs are able to access adequate primary healthcare," Acting President Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus said today.
MERCY Malaysia also announced the launch of its Sri Lanka Relief Fund to pay for relief projects in Manic Farm, Cheddikulam district.
"We will be turning four 40-foot containers into health centres. These health centres will be equipped with outpatient and in-patient facilities to ensure IDPs are able to access adequate primary healthcare," Acting President Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus said today.
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator arrives in Sri Lanka
Apr 26, Colombo: The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Sir John Holmes arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday for a three-day visit.
The UN official is in the country to discuss the pressing humanitarian issue of the civilians trapped in the no-fire zone due to the fighting. Read more ...
The UN official is in the country to discuss the pressing humanitarian issue of the civilians trapped in the no-fire zone due to the fighting. Read more ...
Govt. ready to work with UN on post conflict issues
The Government will discuss with the visiting UN Humanitarian Affairs Chief Sir John Holmes on how the two parties could work closely in the post conflict phase in areas of rehabilitation of civilians and re-integration of ex-combatants into society, Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told The Sunday Times last night. Read more ...
We are coping with the exodus, says Govt.
Government officials assisted by police and security force personnel were this week pressed into service in a frantic bid to accommodate the sudden exodus of civilians from the LTTE-controlled no-fire zone as the UN appealed for more aid from international donors to meet the humanitarian crisis.
People, including day-old infants to the old and feeble, continue to flee into government-held areas even as the guerrillas engage the security forces in sporadic fighting to interrupt the mass flight.
According to official estimates, about 110,000 people have entered government-controlled areas over the past week, raising the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) in the government-held areas to more than 178,000. Read more
People, including day-old infants to the old and feeble, continue to flee into government-held areas even as the guerrillas engage the security forces in sporadic fighting to interrupt the mass flight.
According to official estimates, about 110,000 people have entered government-controlled areas over the past week, raising the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) in the government-held areas to more than 178,000. Read more
World aid pours in
In response to the appeal for international aid to help the sudden influx of IDPs since last Monday, much assistance is now expected to pour in with France taking a lead role from among the international community with its Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner himself arriving next week with crucial assistance.
Early this week Kouchner caused consternation here with his remarks that the fleeing IDPs were drowning in the sea and it required a boat rescue mission. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama who spoke with his French counterpart over the matter on Friday told The Nation yesterday, that he had cordial exchange with Kouchner and explained all such misconceptions.
According to Bogollagama as Sri Lanka had nothing to hide, he had invited Kouchner and UN Humanitarian Chief, John Holmes to visit the more than 100,000 IDPs who fled from Tiger captivity in the No Fire Zone early this week and are now in IDP camps in the north. Read more ...
Early this week Kouchner caused consternation here with his remarks that the fleeing IDPs were drowning in the sea and it required a boat rescue mission. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama who spoke with his French counterpart over the matter on Friday told The Nation yesterday, that he had cordial exchange with Kouchner and explained all such misconceptions.
According to Bogollagama as Sri Lanka had nothing to hide, he had invited Kouchner and UN Humanitarian Chief, John Holmes to visit the more than 100,000 IDPs who fled from Tiger captivity in the No Fire Zone early this week and are now in IDP camps in the north. Read more ...
Nurses reluctant to go north
The authorities in the north are facing a serious problem in finding an adequate number of nurses to treat the IDPs in Vavuniya, since the allocated nurses have refused to assume duties there due to fear.
Chairman of Government Nursing Officers’ Association (GNOU) Saman Rathnapriya told The Nation that even though 150 and 110 nurses respectively, were given appointment letters to assume duties in the east and north, only 113 have accepted their letters of appointment to the east and 25 to the north so far.
“The main reason for their reluctance is fear. In a way their fears are legitimate. Nevertheless, they are duty bound to take care of patients country wide, irrespective of whether they are posted to Colombo or Jaffna,” he said. Read more ...
Chairman of Government Nursing Officers’ Association (GNOU) Saman Rathnapriya told The Nation that even though 150 and 110 nurses respectively, were given appointment letters to assume duties in the east and north, only 113 have accepted their letters of appointment to the east and 25 to the north so far.
“The main reason for their reluctance is fear. In a way their fears are legitimate. Nevertheless, they are duty bound to take care of patients country wide, irrespective of whether they are posted to Colombo or Jaffna,” he said. Read more ...
Kattankudy sends 40 cooks to feed IDPs
Forty Muslim cooks from Kattankudy accompanied by two members of the Kattankudy Mosque Federation left Kattankudy for the Wanni yesterday morning in a bus, a pick up and a lorry full of cooking utensils to prepare meals for the people rescued by the security forces from the clutches of the LTTE in the North. Read more ...
Displaced people helped by tourism industry
The tourism industry has stepped into help displaced people following a request made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda. A statement from Sri Lanka Tourism said, tourism officials contacted the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and individual hoteliers this week. Read more ...
Save the Children fears hundreds of children missing or separated from parents, following panicked escape from Sri Lanka 'No Fire' Zone
Save the Children fears hundreds of children are missing or separated from their parents, following the chaotic escape from the Sri Lanka 'no fire' zone this week. Even before the current influx into government camps in the north of the country, the children's charity estimated that a fifth of all children (423 out of 2036) in four camps where the organisation is working, were separated from their families.
Stein Lied, a Save the Children protection advisor in Northern Sri Lanka said, "The last influx was so large and so fast that we fear many hundreds of children have lost their parents along the way. The escape from the 'no fire' zone was so panicked that even a breastfeeding mother was separated from her newborn."
While the Sri Lankan government has taken measures to help reunify children with their parents, Save the Children is deeply concerned that with so many families uprooted numerous times, the situation is becoming dire. The charity estimates that 50,000 of those displaced are children. Read more ...
Stein Lied, a Save the Children protection advisor in Northern Sri Lanka said, "The last influx was so large and so fast that we fear many hundreds of children have lost their parents along the way. The escape from the 'no fire' zone was so panicked that even a breastfeeding mother was separated from her newborn."
While the Sri Lankan government has taken measures to help reunify children with their parents, Save the Children is deeply concerned that with so many families uprooted numerous times, the situation is becoming dire. The charity estimates that 50,000 of those displaced are children. Read more ...
Saturday, April 25, 2009
France gives field hospital for Sri Lanka war victims
COLOMBO, April 25, 2009 (AFP) - France has offered a 100-bed field hospital together with medical staff to treat Sri Lanka's growing number of war casualties, the government said Friday.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, who made the offer, will also travel to Colombo next week for talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Rohitha Bogollagama, the foreign ministry said in a statement. Read more ...
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, who made the offer, will also travel to Colombo next week for talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Rohitha Bogollagama, the foreign ministry said in a statement. Read more ...
Friday, April 24, 2009
UNHCR starting emergency airlift of relief to Sri Lanka
The United Nations refugee agency said on Friday that it was starting an emergency airlift of tents and other supplies to Sri Lanka, where tens of thousands of people have fled fighting in the northeast.
The airlift, which could begin as early as this weekend, will carry 5,000 tents suitable for families and other items from the agency's stockpile in Dubai to the capital Colombo. Read more ...
The airlift, which could begin as early as this weekend, will carry 5,000 tents suitable for families and other items from the agency's stockpile in Dubai to the capital Colombo. Read more ...
It has been bedlam here - MSF doctor in Sri Lanka
Over the last 24 hours we have seen for the first time fewer casualties coming into the hospital. We only saw 44 severely wounded patients coming into the hospital yesterday, although more have come in this morning. It might be that some of the other casualties are going elsewhere, to other hospitals. We've sent a team on a exploratory mission to try and find out exactly what's happening. Read more ...
UNHCR stepping up Sri Lankan operations to meet growing needs
GENEVA – The UN refugee agency is preparing to ramp up its already sizeable humanitarian operations in Sri Lanka to address the needs of tens of thousands of people displaced by the recent fighting in the north-east of the country.
Plans include an emergency airlift of 5,000 family tents and other aid items from UNHCR's regional stockpile in Dubai to the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. The airlift could begin as early as this weekend. A UNHCR emergency team is also being dispatched, the second to be sent to the country in two months.
The agency is also increasing its budget for Sri Lankan operations that cater to the internally displaced by some 35 percent, to $16.6 million, to provide shelter, protection and other aid for civilians fleeing the conflict zone. The additional funds will be sought from government and private donors. More ...
Plans include an emergency airlift of 5,000 family tents and other aid items from UNHCR's regional stockpile in Dubai to the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. The airlift could begin as early as this weekend. A UNHCR emergency team is also being dispatched, the second to be sent to the country in two months.
The agency is also increasing its budget for Sri Lankan operations that cater to the internally displaced by some 35 percent, to $16.6 million, to provide shelter, protection and other aid for civilians fleeing the conflict zone. The additional funds will be sought from government and private donors. More ...
Aid groups scramble for funds for Sri Lanka crisis
Aid agencies are launching multi-million dollar appeals for Sri Lanka where tens of thousands of traumatised civilians are streaming out of the war zone as the army seeks to crush the Tamil Tiger rebels.
Camps are bursting at the seams, with one aid worker saying some families are living in a space the size of a sofa. Hospitals are also overflowing as doctors work round the clock to treat civilians emerging from the conflict area with horrific blast injuries.
Neil Buhne, U.N. resident coordinator for Sri Lanka, said the system is overwhelmed and funds are desperately needed to provide basic relief. More ...
Camps are bursting at the seams, with one aid worker saying some families are living in a space the size of a sofa. Hospitals are also overflowing as doctors work round the clock to treat civilians emerging from the conflict area with horrific blast injuries.
Neil Buhne, U.N. resident coordinator for Sri Lanka, said the system is overwhelmed and funds are desperately needed to provide basic relief. More ...
Sri Lanka Red Cross Society donates mobile hospital to government
Apr 24, Colombo: The Red Cross Society of Sri Lanka today donated another mobile hospital to the government.
Neville Nanayakkara, the Director General of the Red Cross Society has symbolically donated this mobile hospital to Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa at the weekly cabinet press briefing held in Colombo this morning.
According to Nanayakkara, 500 patients could be treated at the same time at this mobile hospital. More ...
Neville Nanayakkara, the Director General of the Red Cross Society has symbolically donated this mobile hospital to Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa at the weekly cabinet press briefing held in Colombo this morning.
According to Nanayakkara, 500 patients could be treated at the same time at this mobile hospital. More ...
The Govt. committed to resettle all IDPs as early as possible
With the experience gained in resettling 187,000 IDPs in the Eastern Province in the post - conflict period, the government is confident of resettling nearly 200,000 IDPs now living in welfare centers in the Wanni as early as possible. The government is committed comprehensively to ensure the well - being of the civilians who have been evacuated, said Mr. Mahinda Samarasinghe Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights addressing a media briefing at the Presidential Secretariat today(24).
The total figure of IDPs as of today is 193,960. Last four days, 105,274 civilians have escaped the no fire zone. 75% of them have been handed over to the Government Agents. 10,880 have been evacuated by the ICRC, Out of them, 4,736 are patients, and 6,144 bystanders. There are 20 sites operating in Vavuniya, 17 sites in Jaffna and 03 in Mannar, the Hon. Minister added.
The government has requested United Nations Agencies, UNCHR the UNICEF NGOs and INGOs to provide tents to provide shelter to IDPs Mr. Basil Rajapakse, Senior Presidential Advisor too has made arrangements with authorities in Dubai and Jordan to provide tents. More ...
The total figure of IDPs as of today is 193,960. Last four days, 105,274 civilians have escaped the no fire zone. 75% of them have been handed over to the Government Agents. 10,880 have been evacuated by the ICRC, Out of them, 4,736 are patients, and 6,144 bystanders. There are 20 sites operating in Vavuniya, 17 sites in Jaffna and 03 in Mannar, the Hon. Minister added.
The government has requested United Nations Agencies, UNCHR the UNICEF NGOs and INGOs to provide tents to provide shelter to IDPs Mr. Basil Rajapakse, Senior Presidential Advisor too has made arrangements with authorities in Dubai and Jordan to provide tents. More ...
A Competent Authority Officer and three Coordinating Officers appointed to look into the welfare of war displaced civilians
To look into the welfare of the displaced civilians, Government of Sri Lanka has appointed Army Chief of Staff as Competent Authority Officer and three Government Agents as Coordinating Officers.
Army Chief of Staff Major General G. A. Chandrasiri today has been appointed as the Competent Authority officer under emergency law to promote war displaced civilians welfare. All welfare measures aimed at displaced civilians will be under overall supervision of the newly appointed officer.
Concurrent with the appointment of the Competent Authority, Kandy GA Gotabhaya Jayarathna, Pollonnaruwa GA D. A. Lal Wimal, and Anuradhapura GA H. M. K. Herath have been appointed as coordinating officers.
Three coordinating officers will assist in all welfare measures while Vavuniya Government Agent (GA) mediating in between to smoothen the process. More ...
Army Chief of Staff Major General G. A. Chandrasiri today has been appointed as the Competent Authority officer under emergency law to promote war displaced civilians welfare. All welfare measures aimed at displaced civilians will be under overall supervision of the newly appointed officer.
Concurrent with the appointment of the Competent Authority, Kandy GA Gotabhaya Jayarathna, Pollonnaruwa GA D. A. Lal Wimal, and Anuradhapura GA H. M. K. Herath have been appointed as coordinating officers.
Three coordinating officers will assist in all welfare measures while Vavuniya Government Agent (GA) mediating in between to smoothen the process. More ...
Relief Agency Appeals for $2.5M to Aid Sri Lanka War Victims
The Vatican City-based humanitarian agency Caritas Internationalis has appealed for $2.5 million to provide emergency assistance to the war victims in Sri Lanka.
The major appeal comes as up to 120,000 people remain trapped in the war zone north-east areas still controlled by Tamil Tiger rebels. Reports indicate the rebels are keeping the civilians for use as human shields.
On Thursday, Sri Lanka pleaded for international help to assist the more than 100,000 people who have fled the conflict zones. With so many people now homeless, there are concerns over how to house them adequately. The island country has called it an "emergency humanitarian situation." More ...
The major appeal comes as up to 120,000 people remain trapped in the war zone north-east areas still controlled by Tamil Tiger rebels. Reports indicate the rebels are keeping the civilians for use as human shields.
On Thursday, Sri Lanka pleaded for international help to assist the more than 100,000 people who have fled the conflict zones. With so many people now homeless, there are concerns over how to house them adequately. The island country has called it an "emergency humanitarian situation." More ...
Secretary-General to dispatch UN relief team to Sri Lankan combat zone
23 April 2009 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced that he will immediately send a United Nations humanitarian team to the shrinking conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka, calling for the mission to be allowed into the area as soon as possible.
The dispatch of the team to the five square-mile pocket of land where fighting rages between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was agreed upon recently between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Mr. Ban’s envoy, Vijay Nambiar, who also serves as his Chef de Cabinet. More ...
The dispatch of the team to the five square-mile pocket of land where fighting rages between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was agreed upon recently between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Mr. Ban’s envoy, Vijay Nambiar, who also serves as his Chef de Cabinet. More ...
UN appeals for funds to relieve Sri Lanka civilian plight
COLOMBO, 23 April 2009: The UN today issued an urgent appeal for funds to meet the critical needs of an exodus of thousands of people who are fleeing fighting.
Speaking from Colombo after returning from camps in the town of Vavuniya where around 80,000 exhausted civilians who escaped the combat zone are being held, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka said that teams are scrambling to feed, clothe, shelter, and provide water to “crowds of weary and hungry people.” More ...
Speaking from Colombo after returning from camps in the town of Vavuniya where around 80,000 exhausted civilians who escaped the combat zone are being held, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka said that teams are scrambling to feed, clothe, shelter, and provide water to “crowds of weary and hungry people.” More ...
WFP Ready For Sri Lankans Fleeing War Zone
WFP has pre-positioned food in the northern Vavuniya district of Sri Lanka to meet the needs of the tens of thousands of people who are fleeing the ‘safe zone’ along the north eastern coast of Mullaitivu. More ...
Thursday, April 23, 2009
150,000 liberated and still more to come
By early afternoon today (April 22) 3630 more civilians who had been held hostage by the LTTE in the No Fire Zone entered the cleared areas in government territory, bringing the number of civilians who have escaped to freedom since April 20, to 83,300. More ...
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