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 ...