Sampath Bank has made a substantial donation of essential items to the Sri Lanka Army to be distributed at IDP camps in the north.
The collection consisted of rubber slippers in all sizes worth of Rs 1 milllion and sarongs, shirts, sarees, dresses and undergarments for men, women and children worth over Rs 2 million. Read more ...
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Colombo traders send food convoy for IDPs
A convoy of essential goods collected by traders is being delivered to IDPs in the North, President of Moor Street Traders’ Association Sundaram Palaniyandi said yesterday.
The special delivery was organised by Old Moor Street Traders’ Association, Vauxhal Street Traders’ Association and also has input from the Essential Services Committee. “The convoy, consisting of about 15 lorries, carries goods worth Rs. 50 million,” added Palaniyandi, while saying that it was being done at the request of President Mahinda Rajapkasa. The items include dry rations such as dhal, rice, gram and other food items, textile, clothing among other essential goods. The convoy is expected to visit all camps and a committee of 20 from the two associations is at hand to deliver the items.
The two trade associations donated the money themselves and the convoy was organised over a period of a mere two-three weeks. Read more ...
The special delivery was organised by Old Moor Street Traders’ Association, Vauxhal Street Traders’ Association and also has input from the Essential Services Committee. “The convoy, consisting of about 15 lorries, carries goods worth Rs. 50 million,” added Palaniyandi, while saying that it was being done at the request of President Mahinda Rajapkasa. The items include dry rations such as dhal, rice, gram and other food items, textile, clothing among other essential goods. The convoy is expected to visit all camps and a committee of 20 from the two associations is at hand to deliver the items.
The two trade associations donated the money themselves and the convoy was organised over a period of a mere two-three weeks. Read more ...
Urgent educational supplies sent to IDP kids
Ten thousand sets of school furniture and 25,000 sets of uniforms have been sent to Vavuniya this week for the children of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) to resume their education, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.
The education of IDP children will be conducted according to the normal curriculum. The child soldiers will have to be screened by the Army. “Boys who can be rehabilitated will be sent to rehabilitation centres. There is a programme called non-formal education. They will be trained under the non-formal education programmes,” the Minister added.
At the IDP camps the government has put up temporary shelters for education, using IDP teachers numbering roughly 3,000. These temporary shelters rigged up by the government comprise a total of 40 buildings. Read more ...
The education of IDP children will be conducted according to the normal curriculum. The child soldiers will have to be screened by the Army. “Boys who can be rehabilitated will be sent to rehabilitation centres. There is a programme called non-formal education. They will be trained under the non-formal education programmes,” the Minister added.
At the IDP camps the government has put up temporary shelters for education, using IDP teachers numbering roughly 3,000. These temporary shelters rigged up by the government comprise a total of 40 buildings. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 19
- The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka briefed the media on Friday, 29 May, on the humanitarian situation, achievements and challenges.
- Access for humanitarian organizations to Menik Farm has improved.
- Two new sites in Vavuniya have been identified by the Competent Authority (CA) to ease congestion and move IDPs from school sites in the district. Land clearing has started.
- On 27 May, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on assistance to Sri Lanka in the promotion and protection of Human Rights. Read more ...
- Access for humanitarian organizations to Menik Farm has improved.
- Two new sites in Vavuniya have been identified by the Competent Authority (CA) to ease congestion and move IDPs from school sites in the district. Land clearing has started.
- On 27 May, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on assistance to Sri Lanka in the promotion and protection of Human Rights. Read more ...
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Yal Devi to run to Thandikulam on June 6
"After a lapse of 30 years recalling nostalgic memories for Tamils in the North, the Northern train Yal Devi will run beyond Vavuniya up to Thandikulam on June 6th . The railway track and the signal network has already been completed up to Thandikulam". This was stated by Minister of Transport, Dallas Alahapperuma today.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at the inauguration to restore the rail track to Jaffna stated recently:
"The Jaffna people should consider the sound of the Yal Devi as the sound of the Cuckoo bird that precedes the arrival of the Northern Spring. It was on April 23, 1956 that the Yal Devi was introduced on the Northern Railway Line.
How many songs and poems were composed about the Yal Devi since the termination of its run? Why could not our artistes fail to avoid Yal Devi when composing poems and songs on Sinhala – Thamil friendship? I remember our Governor of the North Central Province also lamenting about the Yal Devi in one of his popular songs.
It was the intention of the terrorists to break up the friendly relations among our communities by attacking the Yal Devi.
They knew that our friendship would remain strong as long as the Yal Devi ran. During this time there was good friendship among our people in the northern and southern ends of the country. Read more ...
President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at the inauguration to restore the rail track to Jaffna stated recently:
"The Jaffna people should consider the sound of the Yal Devi as the sound of the Cuckoo bird that precedes the arrival of the Northern Spring. It was on April 23, 1956 that the Yal Devi was introduced on the Northern Railway Line.
How many songs and poems were composed about the Yal Devi since the termination of its run? Why could not our artistes fail to avoid Yal Devi when composing poems and songs on Sinhala – Thamil friendship? I remember our Governor of the North Central Province also lamenting about the Yal Devi in one of his popular songs.
It was the intention of the terrorists to break up the friendly relations among our communities by attacking the Yal Devi.
They knew that our friendship would remain strong as long as the Yal Devi ran. During this time there was good friendship among our people in the northern and southern ends of the country. Read more ...
Uthurata Negam begins in Galle
The Uthurata Negam program organised by the Agriculture Ministry with the participation of the Southern Province farmer community will begin from the Galle Secretariat office tomorrow at 8.00 a.m.
Seventeen lorries carrying essentials value at over Rs. 5 million will leave for Manik Farm. This program is organised under the patronage of Agriculture Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara.
Organisers hope to collect fresh fruit and vegetables from Agrarian Services Centers along the Galle-Vauniya road. Source:
Seventeen lorries carrying essentials value at over Rs. 5 million will leave for Manik Farm. This program is organised under the patronage of Agriculture Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara.
Organisers hope to collect fresh fruit and vegetables from Agrarian Services Centers along the Galle-Vauniya road. Source:
US Congressman commends facilities for IDPs
Visiting US Congressman Heath Shuler (Democrat – North Carolina)said he had found the position of the internally displaced persons was much different from what was reported in the US media, after visiting the IDP camps in Vavuniya to see for himself the condition of the people there.
“I also commend the remarkable work and efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka in putting together the IDP camps in such a short period of time,” Shuler said. There were many challenges ahead but Sri Lanka has a good opportunity to proceed forward to prosperity economic development and most importantly peace.
With the efforts of the Government and the international community working together it would be possible to solve problems and issues and see the progress of this country, Congressman Shuler said at a press conference in Colombo yesterday.
“After speaking to your President, officials and other communities, I realized very quickly that they realized the challenges of war and moving forward to reconcile differences and establish peace and bring the country together,” he said. He said he had the opportunity to talk to one of the teenage IDPs who was taken from place to place and used as a human shield and now looking forward to return home. Read more ...
“I also commend the remarkable work and efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka in putting together the IDP camps in such a short period of time,” Shuler said. There were many challenges ahead but Sri Lanka has a good opportunity to proceed forward to prosperity economic development and most importantly peace.
With the efforts of the Government and the international community working together it would be possible to solve problems and issues and see the progress of this country, Congressman Shuler said at a press conference in Colombo yesterday.
“After speaking to your President, officials and other communities, I realized very quickly that they realized the challenges of war and moving forward to reconcile differences and establish peace and bring the country together,” he said. He said he had the opportunity to talk to one of the teenage IDPs who was taken from place to place and used as a human shield and now looking forward to return home. Read more ...
Appeal to elderly IDPs’ relatives
At a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat to monitor the progress of providing relief to the displaced persons of the North in welfare villages presided over by Senior Presidential Advisor, Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa it was decided to allow the, feeble and injured or sick elderly persons among the IDPs to reunite with their families or kinsfolk so that they could be taken care of by their families, senior official sources at the Presidential Secretariat said yesterday.
Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa said all possible relief and assistance should be given to especially the elderly among the IDPs who were either weak or sick and this opportunity afforded to their kinsfolk and wherever possible they should be allowed to go back to their families or the closest kinsfolk so that they would be looked after in their homes.
Persons who are interested in the welfare of the elderly among the IDPs could get further details from the Social Services Ministry Secretary V.Jegarajasingham on 011-2883525 or Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police, Northern Range, Nimal Lewke on 024- 2222227, they said. Read more ...
Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa said all possible relief and assistance should be given to especially the elderly among the IDPs who were either weak or sick and this opportunity afforded to their kinsfolk and wherever possible they should be allowed to go back to their families or the closest kinsfolk so that they would be looked after in their homes.
Persons who are interested in the welfare of the elderly among the IDPs could get further details from the Social Services Ministry Secretary V.Jegarajasingham on 011-2883525 or Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police, Northern Range, Nimal Lewke on 024- 2222227, they said. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Building a bright future in Batticaloa
Proud homeowners stand outside their brightly colored houses in Thetativu, Batticaloa District. The rows of bright blue, orange, green and pink houses stand out in sharp contrast to the stark, almost barren landscape, yet they mark a return to normalcy for families whose homes, livelihoods and financial capital were destroyed in the tsunami.
Economic development has accompanied the construction of the community. In some of the homes rooms have been converted into grocery shops, while one resident has set up a bicycle repair business in his front yard. Most families have started home-gardens for growing vegetables.
The 86 houses built in Thetativu have been constructed under the "Community Recovery and Reconstruction Partnership" - the owner-driven housing programme initiated by the Red Cross Red Crescent over three years ago to help families rebuild after the tsunami. Read more ...
Economic development has accompanied the construction of the community. In some of the homes rooms have been converted into grocery shops, while one resident has set up a bicycle repair business in his front yard. Most families have started home-gardens for growing vegetables.
The 86 houses built in Thetativu have been constructed under the "Community Recovery and Reconstruction Partnership" - the owner-driven housing programme initiated by the Red Cross Red Crescent over three years ago to help families rebuild after the tsunami. Read more ...
Plight of children stuck in Sri Lankan camps
I visited Vavuniya in early May, one of the towns in the north of Sri Lanka where lots of people uprooted by fighting between troops and rebels have arrived over the last few months.
Since my previous visit in March, the number of displaced had really grown.
In addition to the camps, transitional welfare villages have been set up to accommodate up to 800 families each. The villages are up to 100 acres - when you stand in one corner you can't see where it ends.
Although the welfare villages are spacious, some of the displacement camps set up in schools and colleges are very crowded and people are living in difficult conditions until they are moved into welfare villages. In particular I met lots of mothers who told me their children were missing. They held photos of their children and asked me: "Can you find them for us?" Read more ...
Since my previous visit in March, the number of displaced had really grown.
In addition to the camps, transitional welfare villages have been set up to accommodate up to 800 families each. The villages are up to 100 acres - when you stand in one corner you can't see where it ends.
Although the welfare villages are spacious, some of the displacement camps set up in schools and colleges are very crowded and people are living in difficult conditions until they are moved into welfare villages. In particular I met lots of mothers who told me their children were missing. They held photos of their children and asked me: "Can you find them for us?" Read more ...
UMCOR provides relief for displaced people in Sri Lanka
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is providing direct assistance to people displaced by the recent weeks of fighting in Sri Lanka. The country's recent civil conflict has displaced nearly 300,000 people since the beginning of 2009—most of them living in a camp known as Menik Farm.
While the Sri Lankan government has declared the war over, the displaced population is living in extremely difficult conditions and it is still uncertain when they will be able to return to their home communities. Many of the displaced spent months trapped in the northern conflict zone, and they suffer from injuries, malnutrition, and severe trauma. Read more ...
While the Sri Lankan government has declared the war over, the displaced population is living in extremely difficult conditions and it is still uncertain when they will be able to return to their home communities. Many of the displaced spent months trapped in the northern conflict zone, and they suffer from injuries, malnutrition, and severe trauma. Read more ...
Sri Lanka – Complex Emergency Fact Sheet #10 (FY 2009)
On May 23, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes visited Manik Farms internally displaced person (IDP) camp in Vavuniya District and also participated in an overflight assessment of the former conflict zone. During the visit, the U.N. Secretary-General met with the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as other GoSL, U.N., and local and international relief organization officials. The U.N. Secretary-General called on the GoSL to facilitate immediate and full humanitarian access to IDP camps, particularly Manik Farms; early IDP return to areas of origin; rapid IDP screening and registration; family reunification; and freedom of movement. Read more ...
Old and disabled in Sri Lankan IDP camps to rejoin families
People over 60 years of age and the disabled among the internally displaced Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka's conflict are to be allowed to rejoin their relatives, the government said on Thursday.
Minister of Resettlement Rishath Bathiyutheen told reporters that they will be allowed to leave camps along with their relatives after a process of proper establishment of identities.
However, he did not mention the number of such people -- aged 60 and above and those who are disabled -- among the over 260,000 displaced from the northern Mannar, Mullaithivu and Kilinochchi districts. Read more ...
Minister of Resettlement Rishath Bathiyutheen told reporters that they will be allowed to leave camps along with their relatives after a process of proper establishment of identities.
However, he did not mention the number of such people -- aged 60 and above and those who are disabled -- among the over 260,000 displaced from the northern Mannar, Mullaithivu and Kilinochchi districts. Read more ...
Rs 3 million worth items to Northern IDPs by Sri Lanka Don Bosco Salasians
Sri Lanka Don Bosco Salasians – a Catholic Order – carries a consignment of essential items to the North for the use of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) worth more than Rs 3 million.
Rev.Fr.Anthony H.Pinto, Provincial Superior, Don Bosco Salasians, Sri Lanka told the Asian Tribune that these contributions are collected by Don Bosco Salasian Fathers, Sisters and Brothers who work in several provinces in the country. He said that they are taking several truck loads of clothes and other essential items worth over Rs 3 million
Prior to leaving for Murunkan, Fr.Pinto said that Don Bosco Salasian Community serve Sri Lanka since 1957. He said that they pay special attention to the rehabilitation of youth from the North who happened to be victims of war, since the past decade. Read more ...
Rev.Fr.Anthony H.Pinto, Provincial Superior, Don Bosco Salasians, Sri Lanka told the Asian Tribune that these contributions are collected by Don Bosco Salasian Fathers, Sisters and Brothers who work in several provinces in the country. He said that they are taking several truck loads of clothes and other essential items worth over Rs 3 million
Prior to leaving for Murunkan, Fr.Pinto said that Don Bosco Salasian Community serve Sri Lanka since 1957. He said that they pay special attention to the rehabilitation of youth from the North who happened to be victims of war, since the past decade. Read more ...
Model welfare project in the East
One of the key tasks for the Peace Secretariat in the post-conflict era will be to encourage initiatives that bring disparate actors together. A recent collaboration to supply prosthetic limbs to disabled people in the Eastern Province has demonstrated that even simple welfare projects can be organised in a manner that promotes reconciliation.
The Jaipur Foot Programme, administered by the Colombo Friend in Need Society, has been supporting disabled people across Sri Lanka for years. Last month, the Peace Secretariat helped to take its mobile clinic to Trincomalee, in partnership with the 22 Division Army headquarters, with funding from the Rotary Club of Capital City.
Around 65 people from Trincomalee town and surrounding areas like Thambalagamuwa, Kuchchaweli, Kinniya and Nilaweli attendedover three days. Of them, 40 people were given prosthetic limbs. A handful of serious cases were referred to the Colombo residential clinic and will be brought to Colombo soon. Another mobile clinic is to be held in Trincomalee town to serve a further 130 people, followed by similar efforts in Batticaloa, Ampara and the Northern Province. Read more ...
The Jaipur Foot Programme, administered by the Colombo Friend in Need Society, has been supporting disabled people across Sri Lanka for years. Last month, the Peace Secretariat helped to take its mobile clinic to Trincomalee, in partnership with the 22 Division Army headquarters, with funding from the Rotary Club of Capital City.
Around 65 people from Trincomalee town and surrounding areas like Thambalagamuwa, Kuchchaweli, Kinniya and Nilaweli attendedover three days. Of them, 40 people were given prosthetic limbs. A handful of serious cases were referred to the Colombo residential clinic and will be brought to Colombo soon. Another mobile clinic is to be held in Trincomalee town to serve a further 130 people, followed by similar efforts in Batticaloa, Ampara and the Northern Province. Read more ...
Emergency appeal to support people displaced by the fighting in northern Sri Lanka
Although the military battle in northern Sri Lanka has finished, many challenges remain. More than a quarter million people have been displaced from their communities by the fighting. Over the past several weeks, they have all flooded into temporary camps in the north.
People arrived in the camps exhausted and malnourished after months of being trapped in the conflict zone. "They left everything behind. Most came to Vavuniya with nothing more than the clothes on their backs," says Thamil Thanabalasundaram, Sewalanka Foundation's North Regional Director. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Read more ...
People arrived in the camps exhausted and malnourished after months of being trapped in the conflict zone. "They left everything behind. Most came to Vavuniya with nothing more than the clothes on their backs," says Thamil Thanabalasundaram, Sewalanka Foundation's North Regional Director. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Read more ...
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tibaijuka assures Sri Lanka of support in reconstruction efforts
UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, has assured the Government and people of Sri Lanka that UN-HABITAT would be fully involved in the reconstruction efforts in the country after 27 years of civil war.
The Executive Director gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving the credentials from the new Sri Lanka Permanent Representative to UN-HABITAT, Mr. Jayantha Dissanayake. Mrs. Tibaijuka noted with delight that Sri Lanka and UN-HABITAT have had years of very good relations and assured the envoy of UN-HABITAT continued cooperation. Source:
The Executive Director gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving the credentials from the new Sri Lanka Permanent Representative to UN-HABITAT, Mr. Jayantha Dissanayake. Mrs. Tibaijuka noted with delight that Sri Lanka and UN-HABITAT have had years of very good relations and assured the envoy of UN-HABITAT continued cooperation. Source:
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Access to the most vulnerable conflict victims remains vital
In response to questions about the ICRC’s role in the Sri Lanka conflict, the president pointed out that from February until May the ICRC had been the only humanitarian organization operating in the area worst affected by the fighting, under very dangerous conditions, with three ICRC staff killed. The ICRC had evacuated 14,000 sick and wounded (plus their relatives) by ship.
Mr Kellenberger explained that the ICRC had spoken to both sides regarding compliance with international humanitarian law. “In accordance with our normal procedures, we will be discussing the associated issues in confidence with the authorities concerned,” he announced. Read more ...
Mr Kellenberger explained that the ICRC had spoken to both sides regarding compliance with international humanitarian law. “In accordance with our normal procedures, we will be discussing the associated issues in confidence with the authorities concerned,” he announced. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Building a bright future in Batticaloa
Proud homeowners stand outside their brightly colored houses in Thetativu, Batticaloa District. The rows of bright blue, orange, green and pink houses stand out in sharp contrast to the stark, almost barren landscape, yet they mark a return to normalcy for families whose homes, livelihoods and financial capital were destroyed in the tsunami.
Economic development has accompanied the construction of the community. In some of the homes rooms have been converted into grocery shops, while one resident has set up a bicycle repair business in his front yard. Most families have started home-gardens for growing vegetables.
The 86 houses built in Thetativu have been constructed under the "Community Recovery and Reconstruction Partnership" - the owner-driven housing programme initiated by the Red Cross Red Crescent over three years ago to help families rebuild after the tsunami.
The Red Cross Red Crescent has pledged 28.8 million Swiss francs to the community recovery and reconstruction partnership. To date, 4,000 houses in Kalutara, Jaffna, Ampara and south Batticaloa have been completed, while 1,450 houses in Vaharai and Echilampattu in northern Batticaloa will be finished within the next month. Read more ...
Economic development has accompanied the construction of the community. In some of the homes rooms have been converted into grocery shops, while one resident has set up a bicycle repair business in his front yard. Most families have started home-gardens for growing vegetables.
The 86 houses built in Thetativu have been constructed under the "Community Recovery and Reconstruction Partnership" - the owner-driven housing programme initiated by the Red Cross Red Crescent over three years ago to help families rebuild after the tsunami.
The Red Cross Red Crescent has pledged 28.8 million Swiss francs to the community recovery and reconstruction partnership. To date, 4,000 houses in Kalutara, Jaffna, Ampara and south Batticaloa have been completed, while 1,450 houses in Vaharai and Echilampattu in northern Batticaloa will be finished within the next month. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 18
Discussions are ongoing between Government authorities and humanitarian organizations, to address access issues to Menik Farm in Vavuniya. Limited movements continue in zone 4 to support the erection of tents, ongoing sanitation work and food distribution.
289,915 persons crossed to the Government controlled areas from the conflict zone. This represents an increase of 3,194 IDPs since the last report (Sitrep No.17) on 25 May 2009. The increase is mainly due to improved, systematic registration being undertaken in the camps. Read more ...
289,915 persons crossed to the Government controlled areas from the conflict zone. This represents an increase of 3,194 IDPs since the last report (Sitrep No.17) on 25 May 2009. The increase is mainly due to improved, systematic registration being undertaken in the camps. Read more ...
Eye care camp for Vanni IDPs
Vision 2020 Secretariat of the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry and the College of Opthalmologists of Sri Lanka has organised a program to provide quality eye care services for over 200,000 IDPs at welfare camps in Vavuniya and Cheddikulam.
The program will be in operation until the people are relocated in their original homes, Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said.
He said that under this program a team of eye surgeons, doctors and optometrists will visit the camps on June 6. They conducted a service on May 12 covering a large number of IDPs.
They had detected around 1,500 persons with various eye defects. The specialists had referred needy patients to the Vavuniya hospital. Read more ...
The program will be in operation until the people are relocated in their original homes, Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said.
He said that under this program a team of eye surgeons, doctors and optometrists will visit the camps on June 6. They conducted a service on May 12 covering a large number of IDPs.
They had detected around 1,500 persons with various eye defects. The specialists had referred needy patients to the Vavuniya hospital. Read more ...
Banking services for displaced
Banking services for more than 200,000 account holders in IDP welfare villages were expanded with the new fully fledged Bank of Ceylon branch opened at the Arunachalam welfare village Vavuniya this week.
The newly opened BoC branch has all the facilities like any other branch but special facilities like keeping the valuables and deeds in safe custody free of charge was a unique feature and there were lot of people waiting to open new accounts with us, BOC Deputy General Manager C. Samarasingha told Daily News yesterday.
Already there are 200,000 account holders, 6,850 public servants and 1,780 school teachers among them who deal with us and we provide our services to them with 7 mobile units since they concentrated on the IDP camps. But with the new branch at Arunachalam Welfare Village the people have the ability to open new accounts and ask their parents, relatives or custodians to remit money to them Samarasingha said. Read more ...
The newly opened BoC branch has all the facilities like any other branch but special facilities like keeping the valuables and deeds in safe custody free of charge was a unique feature and there were lot of people waiting to open new accounts with us, BOC Deputy General Manager C. Samarasingha told Daily News yesterday.
Already there are 200,000 account holders, 6,850 public servants and 1,780 school teachers among them who deal with us and we provide our services to them with 7 mobile units since they concentrated on the IDP camps. But with the new branch at Arunachalam Welfare Village the people have the ability to open new accounts and ask their parents, relatives or custodians to remit money to them Samarasingha said. Read more ...
UN Human Rights Council commends measures taken by the Government of Sri Lanka
The Human Rights Council concluded its eleventh Special Session today (27 May 2009) after adopting a resolution on assistance to Sri Lanka in the promotion and protection of human rights in which it encouraged the Government to continue to pursue its existing cooperation with relevant United Nations organizations in order to provide, in cooperation with the Government, basic humanitarian assistance, in particular, safe drinking water, sanitation, food, and medical and healthcare services to the internally displaced persons. It also urged the Government to continue strengthening its activities to ensure that there was no discrimination against ethnic minorities in the enjoyment of the full range of human rights.
In the resolution, which was adopted by a vote of 29 in favour, 12 against, and 6 abstentions, the Council commended the measures taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to address the urgent needs of the internally displaced persons and welcomed the continued commitment of Sri Lanka to the promotion and protection of all human rights, and encouraged it to continue to uphold its human rights obligations and the norms of international human rights law. It also welcomed the announcement of the proposal to safely resettle the bulk of the internally displaced persons within six months, and encouraged the Government to proceed in these endeavours with due respect to persons belonging to national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. Read more ...
In the resolution, which was adopted by a vote of 29 in favour, 12 against, and 6 abstentions, the Council commended the measures taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to address the urgent needs of the internally displaced persons and welcomed the continued commitment of Sri Lanka to the promotion and protection of all human rights, and encouraged it to continue to uphold its human rights obligations and the norms of international human rights law. It also welcomed the announcement of the proposal to safely resettle the bulk of the internally displaced persons within six months, and encouraged the Government to proceed in these endeavours with due respect to persons belonging to national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: displaced people anxious to receive news from separated family members
The over 250,000 displaced people (IDPs) have many needs. In several waves of displacement over recent months, most lost almost all their personal belongings. Tens of thousands of them who were trapped in a narrow coastal strip in the north-eastern part of the country are the most vulnerable. They went through the harrowing experience of repeated forced displacement and living in a combat zone. A quarter of a million people now need food and drinking water, proper sanitation and shelter, access to medical care and essential items such as cooking utensils. Supplying the needy is an enormous task that is being undertaken by the government, several United Nations agencies, the ICRC and partner organizations in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and other local and international aid organizations. There is still a vast gap to be filled between what is being provided and the needs that must be met – for instance, thousands of people still lack adequate medical care. However, over and above material needs, many displaced people are anxious for news from loved ones with whom they lost contact during the displacement and fighting of the past few months. Read more ...
UN Press conference on Sri Lanka, 26 May 2009
Two top United Nations officials briefed correspondents at Headquarters today on the Secretary-General's recent trip to Sri Lanka and the steps that the United Nations will be taking to aid the country's reconstruction and reconciliation.
John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, who accompanied the Secretary-General on his weekend visit to a major camp for displaced persons in Sri Lanka, briefed reporters via telephone, while B. Lynn Pasco, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, spoke at Headquarters. Read more ...
John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, who accompanied the Secretary-General on his weekend visit to a major camp for displaced persons in Sri Lanka, briefed reporters via telephone, while B. Lynn Pasco, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, spoke at Headquarters. Read more ...
Japan extends additional US$ 1.4 million to humanitarian demining in the north
The Government of Japan has decided to extend additional grant aid totaling US$ 1.4 million (approximately Rs. 160 million) for humanitarian demining activities in Jaffna, Killinochchi and Vavuniya through DDG (Danish Demining Group) and the HALO Trust. In this year, the Government of Japan has already provided a grant aid of US$ 700,000 (approximately Rs.80 million) for humanitarian demining in Mannar through FSD (Swiss Foundation for Mine Action). Accordingly, Japan's contribution for demining activities in the North reaches US$ 2.1 million (approximately Rs. 240 million). Read more ...
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
USD 1 million needed daily for Sri Lanka's displacement camps, says World Vision
USD one million is required daily to provide food and water to almost 300,000 conflict survivors who are housed in a string of camp settlements in northern Sri Lanka, says World Vision.
"Funding is becoming a huge concern for aid agencies. Most have already used up a large chunk of their existing relief budgets responding to the crisis," said Suresh Bartlett, World Vision Lanka's National Director.
The cost of providing essential food and water is around USD 3.50 per person per day. But this does not take into account the provision of shelter, medical care, or children's schooling for those in the camps.
"The International Donor Community should not let the politics of giving, or not giving to Sri Lanka, affect the flow of funding that is urgently needed to assist tens of thousands of children and their families. It is imperative that we start to rebuild the lives of those who have been ravaged by conflict and to meet the specific needs of children in particular," said Bartlett. Read more ...
"Funding is becoming a huge concern for aid agencies. Most have already used up a large chunk of their existing relief budgets responding to the crisis," said Suresh Bartlett, World Vision Lanka's National Director.
The cost of providing essential food and water is around USD 3.50 per person per day. But this does not take into account the provision of shelter, medical care, or children's schooling for those in the camps.
"The International Donor Community should not let the politics of giving, or not giving to Sri Lanka, affect the flow of funding that is urgently needed to assist tens of thousands of children and their families. It is imperative that we start to rebuild the lives of those who have been ravaged by conflict and to meet the specific needs of children in particular," said Bartlett. Read more ...
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 17
- In Vavuniya, access to Menik Farm remains restricted for humanitarian agencies. Limited movements continue in zone 4 to support the erection of tents, ongoing sanitation work and food distribution.
- In Vavuniya on 23 May, the Competent Authority (CA) put in place procedures for UN and I/NGO national staff entering the Menik Farm IDP site. Temporary ID cards will be issued for national staff entering the camp and they will be required to leave these cards at the gate and retrieve them when exiting the camp. International staff can enter the camp by showing their official IDs and will not have to leave them at the entrance. Read more ...
- In Vavuniya on 23 May, the Competent Authority (CA) put in place procedures for UN and I/NGO national staff entering the Menik Farm IDP site. Temporary ID cards will be issued for national staff entering the camp and they will be required to leave these cards at the gate and retrieve them when exiting the camp. International staff can enter the camp by showing their official IDs and will not have to leave them at the entrance. Read more ...
308 children lost both parents in war
The government plans to look after 308 children who had lost both their parents in the war. They are now housed at a welfare centre established at Menik Farm in the Vavuniya District.
First lady Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa following a visit to the welfare centre over the weekend has assured the children that they would be provided with separate accommodation.
Senior DIG Nimal Lewke, in charge of the Northern Province told The Island yesterday that Mrs. Rajapaksa had directed Vavuniya Government Agent Mrs P. M. P. Charles to find a separate place outside the welfare centre to house these parentless children. Read more ...
First lady Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa following a visit to the welfare centre over the weekend has assured the children that they would be provided with separate accommodation.
Senior DIG Nimal Lewke, in charge of the Northern Province told The Island yesterday that Mrs. Rajapaksa had directed Vavuniya Government Agent Mrs P. M. P. Charles to find a separate place outside the welfare centre to house these parentless children. Read more ...
'Sri Lanka to hold elections in northern areas soon'
The Sri Lankan government plans to immediately rehabilitate the lakhs of internally displaced civilians in the northern parts of the country, where the last leg of the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) was waged, culminating in the death of LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran.
"We have certainly initiated the reconciliation, reintegration and developmental process in order to bring our people into the mainstream. There are thousands of internally displaced people we have to care for until they are ready to go back to their villages," Dr Palitha Kohona, secretary to the minister of foreign affairs told DNA. Read more ...
"We have certainly initiated the reconciliation, reintegration and developmental process in order to bring our people into the mainstream. There are thousands of internally displaced people we have to care for until they are ready to go back to their villages," Dr Palitha Kohona, secretary to the minister of foreign affairs told DNA. Read more ...
Sri Lanka to rehabilitate child soldiers
The Sri Lankan government has told the United Nations that it will reintegrate former child soldiers into society as productive citizens.
This follows the conclusion of the island's long civil war and a two-day visit by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit, the two sides recognised that the large number of former child soldiers forcibly recruited by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as an important issue in the post-conflict context. Read more ...
This follows the conclusion of the island's long civil war and a two-day visit by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit, the two sides recognised that the large number of former child soldiers forcibly recruited by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as an important issue in the post-conflict context. Read more ...
Monday, May 25, 2009
“International assistance welcome” - Basil Rajapaksa (MP)
Last week saw quite an unprecedented spirit of jubilation and celebration among the people of Sri Lanka, at the conclusion of 30 years of bitter civil war. Enough of celebrations; now, it is time to roll up our sleeves and get back to work – the immediate task at hand is to resettle the 250,000 people who have been displaced in the North, and rebuild the infrastructure, social networks and civil administration in the areas. Spearheading the operation resettlement is Senior Presidential Advisor and MP Basil Rajapaksa. Having had the experience of vast displacement in the 2004 tsunami, and having successfully resettled the majority of the displaced in the Eastern Province, Rajapaksa is confident, that resettling the people in the North will not be a formidable challenge.
"I think, we have a good record in resettling those people. No other country can claim that kind of experience. Just like our brave security forces fought a record battle against terrorism – and being the only country to have done this type of thing – we also have a record in looking after these people and resettling them," he said in an interview with The Nation.
The only challenge he foresees in this monumental task is the extensive de-mining that has to be done, prior to rebuilding and resettling. In his message to the international community, in this crucial moment, he said, "If they are our genuine friends, then be our friends. We don't want 'monitors,' we need partners. Be our partners in this task to help our people." Read more ...
"I think, we have a good record in resettling those people. No other country can claim that kind of experience. Just like our brave security forces fought a record battle against terrorism – and being the only country to have done this type of thing – we also have a record in looking after these people and resettling them," he said in an interview with The Nation.
The only challenge he foresees in this monumental task is the extensive de-mining that has to be done, prior to rebuilding and resettling. In his message to the international community, in this crucial moment, he said, "If they are our genuine friends, then be our friends. We don't want 'monitors,' we need partners. Be our partners in this task to help our people." Read more ...
Indian field hospital shifted to Menik Farm
Indian Government has sent a new set of doctors along with 27 tonnes of medicines worth more than Rs 3 billion, Ministry of Healthcare said. This is the second medical team which has been sent by the Indian Government to treat the IDPs.
The Nation learns that in the latest Indian medical team there are 27 members including eight doctors along with a surgeon, physician and a anaesthetist, “Not that we are not having local doctors but the situation is such that more medical teams are welcome by our Ministry as we have to provide healthcare to more than 300,000 IDPs,” the Ministry source added.
He also said that the Indian hospital unit which was in Pulmudai treating injured IDPs evacuated by the ICRC from the NFZ was relocated to Menik Farm near Vavuniya early this week since a considerable number of IDPs require medical care there.
“Shelter material, worth Rs.15 crore, will shortly be dispatched to the country by India. India’s relief assistance has so far included food, clothing, medicines and other essential supplies,” he said while adding that since November 2008, India has distributed 170,000 family relief packs of dry rations, personal hygiene items, clothes, utensils and water purification tablets to the IDPs. Read more ...
The Nation learns that in the latest Indian medical team there are 27 members including eight doctors along with a surgeon, physician and a anaesthetist, “Not that we are not having local doctors but the situation is such that more medical teams are welcome by our Ministry as we have to provide healthcare to more than 300,000 IDPs,” the Ministry source added.
He also said that the Indian hospital unit which was in Pulmudai treating injured IDPs evacuated by the ICRC from the NFZ was relocated to Menik Farm near Vavuniya early this week since a considerable number of IDPs require medical care there.
“Shelter material, worth Rs.15 crore, will shortly be dispatched to the country by India. India’s relief assistance has so far included food, clothing, medicines and other essential supplies,” he said while adding that since November 2008, India has distributed 170,000 family relief packs of dry rations, personal hygiene items, clothes, utensils and water purification tablets to the IDPs. Read more ...
The World Health Organization's work in north-eastern Sri Lanka: A summary
The World Health Organization is working closely with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health to ensure the health and welfare of over 250 000 internally displaced people (IDP) in welfare camps in the government controlled areas in north-eastern Sri Lanka. The WHO field unit in Vavuniya has been active in providing support on the ground in close coordination with the Regional Health services and Humanitarian partners.
WHO's health priorities include provision of adequate healthcare facilities, water and sanitation facilities, prevention of major outbreaks of communicable diseases, as well as providing mental health and psycho social support to the large number of displaced people.
Since September 2008, WHO has assisted by
- Providing technical expertise.
- Supplying medicines for over 30 000 people.
- Contributing a range of equipment, from hospital beds to cardiac monitors, to scale up the functioning capacity of local health facilities.
- Coordinating the work of international health agencies to ensure the most efficient use of resources.
- Training local community workers on mental health support.
WHO is also assisting the Ministry of Health in expanding their response capacity in IDP settings. This includes ensuring there is one primary healthcare center for 10 000 population manned by a doctor, nurse, and others. Read more ...
WHO's health priorities include provision of adequate healthcare facilities, water and sanitation facilities, prevention of major outbreaks of communicable diseases, as well as providing mental health and psycho social support to the large number of displaced people.
Since September 2008, WHO has assisted by
- Providing technical expertise.
- Supplying medicines for over 30 000 people.
- Contributing a range of equipment, from hospital beds to cardiac monitors, to scale up the functioning capacity of local health facilities.
- Coordinating the work of international health agencies to ensure the most efficient use of resources.
- Training local community workers on mental health support.
WHO is also assisting the Ministry of Health in expanding their response capacity in IDP settings. This includes ensuring there is one primary healthcare center for 10 000 population manned by a doctor, nurse, and others. Read more ...
Sri Lanka – Complex Emergency Fact Sheet #9 (FY 2009)
Between May 14 and 18, the remaining estimated civilian population of approximately 85,000 people departed the area formerly held by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) movement and now controlled by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL), according to unconfirmed GoSL reports. As of May 21, nearly 270,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were residing in IDP camps and transit sites.
On May 19, GoSL President Mahinda Rajapaksa officially announced the end of the 25-year civil conflict in an address to the Sri Lankan Parliament. On May 18, international media cited unconfirmed GoSL reports regarding the death of the head of the LTTE movement and other senior LTTE leaders. Read more ...
On May 19, GoSL President Mahinda Rajapaksa officially announced the end of the 25-year civil conflict in an address to the Sri Lankan Parliament. On May 18, international media cited unconfirmed GoSL reports regarding the death of the head of the LTTE movement and other senior LTTE leaders. Read more ...
Friday, May 22, 2009
IAF flies medical team, aid to Sri Lanka
India Friday dispatched a team of 27 doctors and paramedics to the war ravaged northern Sri Lanka, where the large civilian Tamil population is still reeling under the effects of the civil war.
An Indian Air Force (IAF) IL-76 transport aircraft took off from New Delhi for Colombo Friday morning with the medical team, including a surgeon and a paediatrician.
“The team is also carrying about 30 tonnes of medicines worth over Rs.3 crore (Rs.30 million) to replenish stores at the field hospital run by the Indian armed forces in a camp for the internally displaced persons (IDPs),” IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Tarun Kumar Singha said. Read more ...
An Indian Air Force (IAF) IL-76 transport aircraft took off from New Delhi for Colombo Friday morning with the medical team, including a surgeon and a paediatrician.
“The team is also carrying about 30 tonnes of medicines worth over Rs.3 crore (Rs.30 million) to replenish stores at the field hospital run by the Indian armed forces in a camp for the internally displaced persons (IDPs),” IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Tarun Kumar Singha said. Read more ...
Vietnam gives Sri Lanka emergency aid
The Vietnamese Government has decided to provide US$30,000 in emergency aid to Sri Lanka to help it address the current humanitarian crisis that is affecting civilians who have left the war zone.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Dung announced this on May 21 regarding Sri Lanka’s completion of its military campaign against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), commonly known as the Tamil Tigers. Read more ...
Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Dung announced this on May 21 regarding Sri Lanka’s completion of its military campaign against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), commonly known as the Tamil Tigers. Read more ...
More Tamil youths want to join Sri Lanka Police
More Sri Lankan Tamil youths gathered at selected police stations in Eastern Province to join the police as the government has called for interviews.
According to sources in the Eastern Province, more than 5,000 Tamil youths came for the interviews at selected places to join the police department following the conclusion of the three decades long war.
The interviews for the recruitments were held this morning at Batticaloa, Valachchenai, Kaththankudi, Erawur and Kalawanchikudi. Read more ...
According to sources in the Eastern Province, more than 5,000 Tamil youths came for the interviews at selected places to join the police department following the conclusion of the three decades long war.
The interviews for the recruitments were held this morning at Batticaloa, Valachchenai, Kaththankudi, Erawur and Kalawanchikudi. Read more ...
Sri Lanka and India focus on relief for rescued hostages
Sri Lanka and India are agreed that with the end of military operations in Sri Lanka, the time was opportune to focus attention on issues of relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and re-conciliation including a permanent political solution in Sri Lanka.
This understanding was reached when President Mahinda Rajapaksa met with the Indian Foreign Secretary Mr. Shiv Shankar Menon and National Security Advisor Mr. M.K. Narayanan at Janadhipathi Mandiraya, this morning (21).
The Government of India committed to provide all possible assistance in the implementation of a plan for early resettlement of IDPs in areas such as de-mining, provision of civil infrastructure and re-construction of houses. All these activities will be implemented in close consultation and co-operation with the Government of Sri Lanka. Read more ...
This understanding was reached when President Mahinda Rajapaksa met with the Indian Foreign Secretary Mr. Shiv Shankar Menon and National Security Advisor Mr. M.K. Narayanan at Janadhipathi Mandiraya, this morning (21).
The Government of India committed to provide all possible assistance in the implementation of a plan for early resettlement of IDPs in areas such as de-mining, provision of civil infrastructure and re-construction of houses. All these activities will be implemented in close consultation and co-operation with the Government of Sri Lanka. Read more ...
Thursday, May 21, 2009
SRI LANKA Learn from the past, look forward with hope, say Church leaders
Church leaders have urged all Sri Lankans to put the 25-year civil war behind them and look to the future with hope.
State president Mahinda Rajapakse declared the end of war in parliament on May 19.
"We have to leave the sad and bitter memories of the past and look positively and optimistically towards the future in hope," Archbishop Oswald Gomis of Colombo said on national television that day. "We all have to share the blame for our divisions and forgive each other. We should have the humility and wisdom to learn from the past."
The archbishop delivered the message to his countrymen as many celebrated the ending of the war between the government and Tamil separatists in the north. Read more ...
State president Mahinda Rajapakse declared the end of war in parliament on May 19.
"We have to leave the sad and bitter memories of the past and look positively and optimistically towards the future in hope," Archbishop Oswald Gomis of Colombo said on national television that day. "We all have to share the blame for our divisions and forgive each other. We should have the humility and wisdom to learn from the past."
The archbishop delivered the message to his countrymen as many celebrated the ending of the war between the government and Tamil separatists in the north. Read more ...
West should not be misled by false propaganda - Health Minister
Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, that the Tamil community living in Europe enjoying maximum benefits and facilities as political refugees, was carrying out demonstrations to lobby western media and other communities to escape returning to Sri Lanka.
The Minister met with the Secretary General (SG) at his Geneva Office on Tuesday (19). He informed the SG that opinion makers and leaders of the west should not be misled by the propaganda. 54 percent of the Tamil people live outside the North and East in harmony with Sinhalese and other communities.
De Silva said health care centres had been set up for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in welfare camps in the Wanni. More than two hundred medical officers and five hundred nurses and a large number of paramedics were caring for the sick and injured. The Ministries of Nation Building, Resettlement, Disaster Management and Human Rights in collaboration with many international organisations were providing the IDPs with humanitarian assistance. Read more ...
The Minister met with the Secretary General (SG) at his Geneva Office on Tuesday (19). He informed the SG that opinion makers and leaders of the west should not be misled by the propaganda. 54 percent of the Tamil people live outside the North and East in harmony with Sinhalese and other communities.
De Silva said health care centres had been set up for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in welfare camps in the Wanni. More than two hundred medical officers and five hundred nurses and a large number of paramedics were caring for the sick and injured. The Ministries of Nation Building, Resettlement, Disaster Management and Human Rights in collaboration with many international organisations were providing the IDPs with humanitarian assistance. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Thousands of New Arrivals Overwhelm Medical Facilities
As the Sri Lankan government declares the end of the conflict, thousands of people are leaving the Vanni, the former conflict zone, and arriving in Vavuniya district in desperate need of medical care.
Traumatized and exhausted, with hundreds injured, a staggering 50,000 people have arrived since May 16 in Vavuniya, where Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is working at Vavuniya hospital. Many thousands more are still expected in the coming days. Read more ...
Traumatized and exhausted, with hundreds injured, a staggering 50,000 people have arrived since May 16 in Vavuniya, where Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is working at Vavuniya hospital. Many thousands more are still expected in the coming days. Read more ...
ACT Appeal Sri Lanka: Assistance to conflict-displaced persons in Sri Lanka
On May 18th 2009 the Government of Sri Lanka declared total victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), with the entire island territory now back under government rule for the first time since the war erupted in 1983.
Around 265,000 people are now either in transit or are accommodated in 38 camps for the recently displaced, including an estimated 80,000 children. Between 20 April 2009 and 13 May, the number of persons displaced and registered in government camps or sites soared from 65,000 to 198,089 in the Vavuniya, Jaffna and Mannar districts (UN OCHA, May 13th). Aid agencies report being overwhelmed by the surge in IDP numbers and rapid humanitarian assistance is critical. Already included under the first version of this appeal issued on April 22nd is assistance now being implemented by Christian Aid and Norwegian Church Aid. Read more ...
Around 265,000 people are now either in transit or are accommodated in 38 camps for the recently displaced, including an estimated 80,000 children. Between 20 April 2009 and 13 May, the number of persons displaced and registered in government camps or sites soared from 65,000 to 198,089 in the Vavuniya, Jaffna and Mannar districts (UN OCHA, May 13th). Aid agencies report being overwhelmed by the surge in IDP numbers and rapid humanitarian assistance is critical. Already included under the first version of this appeal issued on April 22nd is assistance now being implemented by Christian Aid and Norwegian Church Aid. Read more ...
Catholic Bishops send message of support to Sri Lanka
The President's Office of the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI) issued a statement expressing the closeness of the entire Church in Italy to the victims of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
“The President of the Italian Bishops' Conference encourages the ecclesial community to pray for the victims, to support the solidarity campaign being sponsored by Caritas of Italy in order to alleviate the suffering of those populations. Read more ...
“The President of the Italian Bishops' Conference encourages the ecclesial community to pray for the victims, to support the solidarity campaign being sponsored by Caritas of Italy in order to alleviate the suffering of those populations. Read more ...
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Spindelegger on Sri Lanka: "Government must take responsibility for its own people"
"Even after the end of the hostilities in Sri Lanka, the humanitarian situation is still extremely critical. There are hundreds of thousands of refugees and entire regions have been devastated or mined. International aid is called for. I shall therefore propose to the Council of Ministers that 200,000 euros be made available from the Relief Fund for Disasters Abroad to provide support in cooperation with Austrian NGOs for projects to help the destitute civilian population," said Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger today. The Minister reported to the Council of Ministers about the EU External Relations Council meeting the previous day in Brussels. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Displaced flood into Vavuniya as government, LTTE fighting ends
With the end of the fighting in Mullaitivu district, a new influx of internally displaced people (IDPs) is flooding into Vavuniya, the district adjoining Sri Lanka's northern conflict zone.
Since Friday some 40,000 IDPs have arrived in Vavuniya and another 40,000 are expected in the course of this week, according to IOM Vavuniya Head of office Michele Cecere.
"IOM is working flat out with the government and our partners in the international community to provide these people with the basic essentials that they need to survive - shelter, water, sanitation and basic health care," he says. Read more ...
Since Friday some 40,000 IDPs have arrived in Vavuniya and another 40,000 are expected in the course of this week, according to IOM Vavuniya Head of office Michele Cecere.
"IOM is working flat out with the government and our partners in the international community to provide these people with the basic essentials that they need to survive - shelter, water, sanitation and basic health care," he says. Read more ...
India to work with Sri Lanka to provide relief to victims of conflict
India will work with the people and Government of Sri Lanka to provide relief to those affected by the just-concluded tragic conflict, the government announced here today.
In a statement issued here this evening, the Ministry of External Affairs said the idea is to "rapidly rehabilitate all those who have been displaced, bringing their lives to normalcy as soon as possible." Read more ...
In a statement issued here this evening, the Ministry of External Affairs said the idea is to "rapidly rehabilitate all those who have been displaced, bringing their lives to normalcy as soon as possible." Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Forced to abandon a life's work
Before the fighting came, elderly farmer Ganeshan says his life was "fairly comfortable", happily working his 14-acre plot daily to feed his family.
But, as Sri Lanka's conflict grew ever closer to his farm in Puthukkudiyiruppu, he knew this happiness could not last. When his house was damaged by shellfire, it was time to go – forced to abandon his life's work.
"I am a farmer who never dreamt that I will have to depend on anybody for my food," the 62-year-old says. ""But there was no way we could have stayed there any longer." Read more ...
But, as Sri Lanka's conflict grew ever closer to his farm in Puthukkudiyiruppu, he knew this happiness could not last. When his house was damaged by shellfire, it was time to go – forced to abandon his life's work.
"I am a farmer who never dreamt that I will have to depend on anybody for my food," the 62-year-old says. ""But there was no way we could have stayed there any longer." Read more ...
'US will continue to support Sri Lanka's humanitarian relief efforts' says US Ambassador
The outgoing US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Robert O. Blake paid a farewell call on Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at the Ministry Tuesday (18 May 2009). Ambassador Blake informed the Minister that he had arrived in Sri Lanka at a time when the security forces had commenced their operations against the LTTE following the closure of the Mavil Aru sluice gates in July 2006. He noted that he was completing his assignment in the country at a historic moment, when the LTTE has been militarily defeated.
He said that the US will continue to support Sri Lanka's humanitarian relief efforts for the large number of civilians who have been displaced by the conflict in the North. He hoped that these people would be provided with the best possible care in the IDP centres and welfare villages, until their resettlement in their original places of habitation.
He said that the US will continue to support Sri Lanka's humanitarian relief efforts for the large number of civilians who have been displaced by the conflict in the North. He hoped that these people would be provided with the best possible care in the IDP centres and welfare villages, until their resettlement in their original places of habitation.
Sweden to contribute SEK 43 million in humanitarian support to those affected in Sri Lanka
Sweden is to contribute additional humanitarian assistance to support the civilian population affected in Sri Lanka.
"The humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka is still very serious. We urge the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure free humanitarian access to the refugee camps and to the former conflict zone so that assistance can reach those affected," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
In a press release Minister Gunilla Carlsson said, the war in Sri Lanka essentially appears to be over but the humanitarian needs remain. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) the conflict has resulted in a total of more than 265 000 internal refugees. Most of the internal refugees are in one of the 43 refugee camps controlled by the Sri Lankan Government and a smaller number are in the former conflict zone. Read more ...
"The humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka is still very serious. We urge the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure free humanitarian access to the refugee camps and to the former conflict zone so that assistance can reach those affected," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
In a press release Minister Gunilla Carlsson said, the war in Sri Lanka essentially appears to be over but the humanitarian needs remain. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) the conflict has resulted in a total of more than 265 000 internal refugees. Most of the internal refugees are in one of the 43 refugee camps controlled by the Sri Lankan Government and a smaller number are in the former conflict zone. Read more ...
Japanese aid over Rs. 50 m for Vanni civilians
The Japanese Government yesterday provided assistance worth over Rs. 50 million to Sri Lanka to meet the requirement of the civilians who sought protection of the Security Forces.
Presidential Senior Advisor Basil Rajapaksa on behalf of the Government accepted the donation from Japanese envoy in Sri Lanka Kunio Takahashi. Nation Building Ministry Secretary W.K.K. Kumarasiri was also present. This stock consisting of 560 tents, 10,000 sleeping mats, 4000 plastic sheets, 30,000 jerry cans and 1,000 mosquito nets was immediately despatched to Vavuniya. Read more ...
Presidential Senior Advisor Basil Rajapaksa on behalf of the Government accepted the donation from Japanese envoy in Sri Lanka Kunio Takahashi. Nation Building Ministry Secretary W.K.K. Kumarasiri was also present. This stock consisting of 560 tents, 10,000 sleeping mats, 4000 plastic sheets, 30,000 jerry cans and 1,000 mosquito nets was immediately despatched to Vavuniya. Read more ...
UNHCR briefing notes on the situation in Sri Lanka
It is now estimated that 65,000 people have left the former fighting zone in north-east Sri Lanka, which brings the total who have fled the fighting in the last several months to 265,000.
This latest massive influx of people, who have endured extreme conditions, will put an even greater strain on the transit and IDP sites that are already buckling under the pressure of the existing IDP population. Read more ...
This latest massive influx of people, who have endured extreme conditions, will put an even greater strain on the transit and IDP sites that are already buckling under the pressure of the existing IDP population. Read more ...
Time for aid community to start pulling together on Sri Lanka
It's a pity the Channel 4 News team that was forced to leave Sri Lanka last week after the government revoked their visas - citing "fabricated stories tarnishing the image of the country" - was not able to get more feedback from humanitarian agencies working on the ground.
The three journalists who secretly filmed inside a camp for civilians who have fled the conflict possibly didn't realise their actions would just make things difficult for us who have to remain and work here. As news broke of their expulsion, the clampdown took place, as expected.
Cameras are now prohibited in the camps and security has been tightened, which means the circle of influence we initially enjoyed has now shrunk and we have to regain that trust and acceptance from the government and the authorities running the camps.
The world has seemed so concerned about what is happening inside the "no fire zone". I am not here to explain or criticise what has happened there, nor who is shelling whom. This is beyond the remit of most humanitarian agencies. But, according to our mandate, what we can and must do is respond to the growing emergency needs of those who have been displaced. Read more ...
The three journalists who secretly filmed inside a camp for civilians who have fled the conflict possibly didn't realise their actions would just make things difficult for us who have to remain and work here. As news broke of their expulsion, the clampdown took place, as expected.
Cameras are now prohibited in the camps and security has been tightened, which means the circle of influence we initially enjoyed has now shrunk and we have to regain that trust and acceptance from the government and the authorities running the camps.
The world has seemed so concerned about what is happening inside the "no fire zone". I am not here to explain or criticise what has happened there, nor who is shelling whom. This is beyond the remit of most humanitarian agencies. But, according to our mandate, what we can and must do is respond to the growing emergency needs of those who have been displaced. Read more ...
India to send 25 tonnes of medicine to Sri Lanka
With the Sri Lankan army's offensive against LTTE almost over, India will send 25 tonnes of medicines worth over Rs 3 crores to help the internally displaced population in the northern parts of the island nation.
"An Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft carrying about 25 tonnes of medicines is scheduled to leave Delhi for Colombo on May 22 (Friday). This will be disbursed among the sick, wounded and internally displaced people in northern Sri Lanka," Defence Ministry officials said here on Monday.
In March this year, Indian Armed Forces had set up a fully equipped 50-bed hospital close to a relief camp at Pulmodai town on Sri Lanka’s northeastern coast. Read more ...
"An Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft carrying about 25 tonnes of medicines is scheduled to leave Delhi for Colombo on May 22 (Friday). This will be disbursed among the sick, wounded and internally displaced people in northern Sri Lanka," Defence Ministry officials said here on Monday.
In March this year, Indian Armed Forces had set up a fully equipped 50-bed hospital close to a relief camp at Pulmodai town on Sri Lanka’s northeastern coast. Read more ...
Monday, May 18, 2009
SRI LANKA: High incidence of combat wounds among evacuees
Relief workers in Sri Lanka report hundreds of war wounds among people fleeing the last pocket of the long-running conflict.
"There are people with shrapnel injuries, others with limbs that need to be amputated," Sarasi Wijeratne, a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), told IRIN.
Many of their wounds were either infected because bandages had not been changed or they had not been treated properly with antibiotics, she said. Read more ...
"There are people with shrapnel injuries, others with limbs that need to be amputated," Sarasi Wijeratne, a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), told IRIN.
Many of their wounds were either infected because bandages had not been changed or they had not been treated properly with antibiotics, she said. Read more ...
New wave of displaced persons in Sri Lanka/ Malteser International calls for donations
"The humanitarian catastrophe in camps of displaced persons in Sri Lanka reaches a new sad peak." said J�rgen Clemens, Malteser International desk officer for Sri Lanka. Camps overloaded with up to 200,000 people will now have to accommodate another 50,000 displaced who had still been trapped in the conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka. "People are extremely ex-hausted and in need of medical care, but our financial resources for emergency relief are far in-sufficient.", he said.
According to Clemens camps are in disastrous sanitary condition. In Vavunyia region a kitchen meant to supply food for 500 people now serves up to 2,000, reports the Malteser International expert. "Sanitary conditions and shortages of drinking water are the most severe difficulties that people have to cope with." Read more ...
According to Clemens camps are in disastrous sanitary condition. In Vavunyia region a kitchen meant to supply food for 500 people now serves up to 2,000, reports the Malteser International expert. "Sanitary conditions and shortages of drinking water are the most severe difficulties that people have to cope with." Read more ...
China sends humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka
The first batch of a humanitarian aid package for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) sent by China arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo on Sunday.
Senior Presidential Advisor and Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa accepting a consignment of 6,300 tents handed over by China' Ambassador in Sri Lanka Yang Xiuping expressed his sincere gratitude to China.
Nearly US$ 3 million worth of tents donated by China will be delivered to Sri Lanka in four batches. Three more chartered planes with the rest are to arrive in the country shortly. Read more ...
Senior Presidential Advisor and Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa accepting a consignment of 6,300 tents handed over by China' Ambassador in Sri Lanka Yang Xiuping expressed his sincere gratitude to China.
Nearly US$ 3 million worth of tents donated by China will be delivered to Sri Lanka in four batches. Three more chartered planes with the rest are to arrive in the country shortly. Read more ...
Lankan forum to donate QR47,000 for soldiers
A draft for Sri Lanka Rs1.5mn will be presented on behalf of the Sri Lankan community in Qatar to the Ranawirusevena fund for war-wounded soldiers by the Sri Lankan Co-ordinating Committee (SLCC) Qatar on Tuesday.
The money (QR 47,000) was raised from the sale of entrance tickets and the publication of a souvenir for the "Api Wenuwen Api" (Be Together For All) musical show organised by the Sri Lankan embassy in collaboration with SLCC in February to coincide with Sri Lanka’s 61st Independence Day celebrations. Read more ...
The money (QR 47,000) was raised from the sale of entrance tickets and the publication of a souvenir for the "Api Wenuwen Api" (Be Together For All) musical show organised by the Sri Lankan embassy in collaboration with SLCC in February to coincide with Sri Lanka’s 61st Independence Day celebrations. Read more ...
A different battle to save little lives
Along with the launch of the world’s biggest civilian hostage rescue operation, General Hospital Vavuniya is faced with a massive influx of patients demanding medical and surgical attention. This displaced civil population includes a significant proportion of children. These rescued civilians, including children are being settled temporarily in the Vavuniya District. As a result, the General Hospital Vavuniya is compelled to cater to an extra influx of nearly 170,000, 10% or more of whom are children under five years.
The number of child patients in the general paediatric ward has increased alarmingly over the past few weeks. The total number of the hospital admission has shown a fourfold rise, comprising 50% surgical admissions and nearly 30% paediatric. Read more ...
The number of child patients in the general paediatric ward has increased alarmingly over the past few weeks. The total number of the hospital admission has shown a fourfold rise, comprising 50% surgical admissions and nearly 30% paediatric. Read more ...
More facilities for pregnant girls in Wanni
The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) will provide more probation officers and paediatricians at the Chettikulam Government Hospital to meet the needs of pregnant mothers who arrived in the cleared areas during the past few months.
It is reported that about twenty-five pregnant mothers who came from the No Fire Zone (NFZ) were admitted to the Chettikulam hospital. NCPA Chairman Jagath Wellawatte told the Sunday Observer that his Authority has received information regarding the increase in the number of teenage pregnancies among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and he visited hospitals in the North last week to look into the welfare of such persons.
He said that almost all teenage girls who came to the cleared areas were given in marriage by their parents to prevent them being forcibly recruited to the LTTE as child soldiers. Read more ...
It is reported that about twenty-five pregnant mothers who came from the No Fire Zone (NFZ) were admitted to the Chettikulam hospital. NCPA Chairman Jagath Wellawatte told the Sunday Observer that his Authority has received information regarding the increase in the number of teenage pregnancies among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and he visited hospitals in the North last week to look into the welfare of such persons.
He said that almost all teenage girls who came to the cleared areas were given in marriage by their parents to prevent them being forcibly recruited to the LTTE as child soldiers. Read more ...
UNICEF to build toilets for IDPs in Vavuniya
UNICEF will build toilets in the IDP welfare villages in Vavuniya which were recently set up to temporarily settle displaced Tamil civilians from the Wanni, Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Ministry sources said.
Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishad Badhiudeen held discussions with officers of UNICEF at his Ministry in regard to sanitation facilities for the IDPs, Ministry Secretary U.L.M. Halaldeen said. He said that innocent Tamil civilians who escaped from the clutches of LTTE terrorists are now housed in welfare camps and IDP welfare villages in Vavuniya. Read more ...
Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishad Badhiudeen held discussions with officers of UNICEF at his Ministry in regard to sanitation facilities for the IDPs, Ministry Secretary U.L.M. Halaldeen said. He said that innocent Tamil civilians who escaped from the clutches of LTTE terrorists are now housed in welfare camps and IDP welfare villages in Vavuniya. Read more ...
NGO donates drugs for IDPs
International Relief and Development Sri Lanka (IRD), a USA based Non Governmental Organization, has donated Rs. 115 million worth essential pharmaceuticals to the Sri Lanka Government for the Internally Displaced Persons in the North of Sri Lanka.
The presentation was made to the Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition, Nimal Siripala de Silva at the Ministry. The items include antibiotics, antibacterial drugs, anti malaria drugs, antifungal, and oral dehydration salts.
IRD has been working in Sri Lanka since 2004 and currently carrying out a school program on construction and renovating water and sanitation facilities, promoting health and hygiene programs and distributing milk sachets to children and made many contributions during the tsunami on providing clean and safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, health and construction programs to affected people. Read more ...
The presentation was made to the Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition, Nimal Siripala de Silva at the Ministry. The items include antibiotics, antibacterial drugs, anti malaria drugs, antifungal, and oral dehydration salts.
IRD has been working in Sri Lanka since 2004 and currently carrying out a school program on construction and renovating water and sanitation facilities, promoting health and hygiene programs and distributing milk sachets to children and made many contributions during the tsunami on providing clean and safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, health and construction programs to affected people. Read more ...
Japan responds promptly to SL govt's appeal
Responding to Sri Lankan government's appeal for humanitarian assistance on behalf of civilians who fled from the terror grips of LTTE, the Japanese Government has shipped several consignments with immediate effect.
The consignments include 560 tents, 10,000 sleeping mats, 4,000 plastic sheets, 30,000 jerry cans and 1,000 mosquito nets worth about Rs. 50 million. It will be delivered through the office of the International Organization of Migration.
This is in addition to the Emergency Grant Aid totalling US $ 4 million provided through UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM and ICRC as announced earlier this month. Read more ...
The consignments include 560 tents, 10,000 sleeping mats, 4,000 plastic sheets, 30,000 jerry cans and 1,000 mosquito nets worth about Rs. 50 million. It will be delivered through the office of the International Organization of Migration.
This is in addition to the Emergency Grant Aid totalling US $ 4 million provided through UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM and ICRC as announced earlier this month. Read more ...
Sri Lanka receives aid from South Korea for IDPs
The government of South Korea has granted an immediate voluntary contribution of US$ 5 million to assist Sri Lanka's Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
According to the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry, the South Korean government has taken this decision in response to the joint appeal made by the Sri Lankan government and the United Nations to the international community for assistance. Read more ...
According to the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry, the South Korean government has taken this decision in response to the joint appeal made by the Sri Lankan government and the United Nations to the international community for assistance. Read more ...
MAG steps up its clearance efforts in Sri Lanka
As the Government of Sri Lanka feel that an end to the war is in sight, areas of land are now being released for mine clearance.
The Government has stated its intention to return 80 per cent of the displaced people by December 2009, while publicly acknowledging that Humanitarian Mine Action will be an important requirement in the process.
In response to the expected return of the internally displaced population, MAG has moved additional assets from Batticaloa, in the East of the country, to the district of Mannar in the north west. MAG now has three teams conducting Community Liaison (CL) surveys. One Mechanical Team and one team of deminers are deployed to conduct technical surveys. Read more ...
The Government has stated its intention to return 80 per cent of the displaced people by December 2009, while publicly acknowledging that Humanitarian Mine Action will be an important requirement in the process.
In response to the expected return of the internally displaced population, MAG has moved additional assets from Batticaloa, in the East of the country, to the district of Mannar in the north west. MAG now has three teams conducting Community Liaison (CL) surveys. One Mechanical Team and one team of deminers are deployed to conduct technical surveys. Read more ...
SRI LANKA Catholics, Buddhists unite to serve devotees during Vesak
Religious harmony prevailed in a farming village in central Sri Lanka as Catholics and Buddhists joined hands to celebrate the Buddhist festival of Vesak (Vesakh).
Devotees of both faiths offered meals and refreshments at a dansala (alms-giving center) in Hammalawa village on May 9, as thousands of Buddhists flocked to temples and thronged village streets decorated with lights, lanterns and religious flags.
Hammalawa is a sub-parish of Kuliyapitya parish in Kurunegala diocese.
The Catholic chief organizer of the dansala, Chamila Gayan, said the Buddhist-Catholic collaboration was one of many activities designed to strengthen religious harmony and overcome misunderstandings regarding people converting from one religion to another. Read more ...
Devotees of both faiths offered meals and refreshments at a dansala (alms-giving center) in Hammalawa village on May 9, as thousands of Buddhists flocked to temples and thronged village streets decorated with lights, lanterns and religious flags.
Hammalawa is a sub-parish of Kuliyapitya parish in Kurunegala diocese.
The Catholic chief organizer of the dansala, Chamila Gayan, said the Buddhist-Catholic collaboration was one of many activities designed to strengthen religious harmony and overcome misunderstandings regarding people converting from one religion to another. Read more ...
WFP Providing Meals To Thousands Of Sri Lankans Fleeing Civil Conflict
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced today that it has started providing cooked meals at a government screening point to feed thousands of desperate people fleeing the conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka.
"For many, this will be the first hot meal they have had in days or perhaps much longer," said Adnan Khan, WFP Representative in Sri Lanka, adding that a new wave of more than 3,000 people trapped by the conflict have arrived overnight at Omanthai. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) must pass through this government screening point before being transferred to temporary transit centres in Vavuniya and Jaffna. Read more ...
"For many, this will be the first hot meal they have had in days or perhaps much longer," said Adnan Khan, WFP Representative in Sri Lanka, adding that a new wave of more than 3,000 people trapped by the conflict have arrived overnight at Omanthai. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) must pass through this government screening point before being transferred to temporary transit centres in Vavuniya and Jaffna. Read more ...
Friday, May 15, 2009
Clarifying the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka
Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, Secretary General of the Peace Secretariat and Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights, was invited to speak at a briefing by Sir John Holmes, UN Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator in Geneva on Tuesday. His presentation, including responses to questions, is carried in full below.
Thank you, Sir John, for your account of the current situation in Sri Lanka, and your efforts to collect funding to help resolve the problems faced by the displaced. I should note that we would have appreciated greater notice of this briefing, since it is important to make it clear that we are working in partnership. I am happy that OCHA in Sri Lanka, after some years of forgetting this, now recognises the importance of coordination with government, and working according to government plans and policies, and that from this year there is much greater attention to transparency and accountability.
You were correct to divide the problems into three sections, which need to be dealt with in different ways. Before I look at the most serious of these, the problems faced by the civilians still held by the LTTE, let me concur with the view that the problems of those who managed to flee to refuge with the government have been alleviated to a substantial degree. Though there were difficulties, especially when over 100,000 got away together, these are now much less. In particular we are grateful to UNHCR which put up tents on sites that the forces cleared by working day and night, so that everyone now has shelter, along with adequate food. Read more ...
Thank you, Sir John, for your account of the current situation in Sri Lanka, and your efforts to collect funding to help resolve the problems faced by the displaced. I should note that we would have appreciated greater notice of this briefing, since it is important to make it clear that we are working in partnership. I am happy that OCHA in Sri Lanka, after some years of forgetting this, now recognises the importance of coordination with government, and working according to government plans and policies, and that from this year there is much greater attention to transparency and accountability.
You were correct to divide the problems into three sections, which need to be dealt with in different ways. Before I look at the most serious of these, the problems faced by the civilians still held by the LTTE, let me concur with the view that the problems of those who managed to flee to refuge with the government have been alleviated to a substantial degree. Though there were difficulties, especially when over 100,000 got away together, these are now much less. In particular we are grateful to UNHCR which put up tents on sites that the forces cleared by working day and night, so that everyone now has shelter, along with adequate food. Read more ...
World Bank increases social development package
The World Bank was giving a US dollar 900 million package for social development for a four year period and was considering an increase by another US dollars 60 million especially in view of the humanitarian problem in the North and the welfare services needed by the government,World Bank Country Director Naoko Ishii said at a panel discussion held in Colombo on Wednesday.
The World Bank human development division South Asia was looking at how Sri Lanka a middle income country that had so far achieved social development standards with more success than other countries in the region, could handle the issues consequent to world economic downturn, Michal Rutkowski visiting World Bank Director for human development in South Asia said.
He said though Sri Lanka was a middle income earning country it could face the effects of the downturn in terms of foreign remittances or lower foreign employment opportunity as well as other economic factors while it was also necessary to look at the aging population that was on the increase due to high life expectancy rate in the country. Read more ...
The World Bank human development division South Asia was looking at how Sri Lanka a middle income country that had so far achieved social development standards with more success than other countries in the region, could handle the issues consequent to world economic downturn, Michal Rutkowski visiting World Bank Director for human development in South Asia said.
He said though Sri Lanka was a middle income earning country it could face the effects of the downturn in terms of foreign remittances or lower foreign employment opportunity as well as other economic factors while it was also necessary to look at the aging population that was on the increase due to high life expectancy rate in the country. Read more ...
Sri Lanka – Complex Emergency Fact Sheet #8 (FY 2009)
Relying on recent satellite images, the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimated that between 50,000 and 75,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) remained in the conflict zone as of May 13. Read more and download report ...
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 12
- On 13 May, the UN Security Council issued a press statement expressing its grave concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in northern Sri Lanka and called for urgent action by all parties to ensure the safety of civilians.
- For the third consecutive day, a ferry chartered by the ICRC carrying 25 MT of food has been unable to evacuate patients because of continuous heavy fighting, according to the ICRC. Read more and download report ...
- For the third consecutive day, a ferry chartered by the ICRC carrying 25 MT of food has been unable to evacuate patients because of continuous heavy fighting, according to the ICRC. Read more and download report ...
Sri Lankan families receive aid through CRWRC
For more than 30 years, civil war has raged in northern Sri Lanka. A recent increase in violence has forced families from their homes and left them in urgent need of outside assistance. CRWRC is responding with emergency food and temporary shelter.
In the last 18 months, violence in war-torn Sri Lanka has escalated as the Sri Lankan government has attempted to reclaim the last stronghold of the Tamil Tigers. Amidst the violence, families have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Those who survived this journey are now living in temporary camps in Jaffna, Vavuniya and Mannar. Some sources estimate that there are more than 100,000 people living in these crowded and under-resourced camps.
Although CRWRC no longer has offices in Sri Lanka after the completion of its tsunami response program, it does have ongoing partnerships in the affected area. This is enabling CRWRC to respond quickly to the current crisis. Read more ...
In the last 18 months, violence in war-torn Sri Lanka has escalated as the Sri Lankan government has attempted to reclaim the last stronghold of the Tamil Tigers. Amidst the violence, families have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Those who survived this journey are now living in temporary camps in Jaffna, Vavuniya and Mannar. Some sources estimate that there are more than 100,000 people living in these crowded and under-resourced camps.
Although CRWRC no longer has offices in Sri Lanka after the completion of its tsunami response program, it does have ongoing partnerships in the affected area. This is enabling CRWRC to respond quickly to the current crisis. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Urgent humanitarian need, says aid group
An interdenominational Christian aid agency has appealed for urgent humanitarian relief for Sri Lanka amid reports of indiscriminate shelling and use of heavy weapons resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties last week.
The Barnabas Fund in its May 13 appeal said a "major humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the north-east of Sri Lanka as the country's long civil war intensifies once more." Read more ...
The Barnabas Fund in its May 13 appeal said a "major humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the north-east of Sri Lanka as the country's long civil war intensifies once more." Read more ...
Sri Lankan youth in former war zone get US training
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) said it is providing training scholarships to 500 young people from Sri Lanka's north and east which is recovering from decades of war.
The scholarships are given through the agency's Unlimited Potential Partnership program (UPP) which currently provides workforce training programs in three key industries - apparel, media, and tourism.
A total of 2000 scholarships will be available throughout Sri Lanka, with USAID providing 500 scholarships to youth in the east and north. Read more ...
The scholarships are given through the agency's Unlimited Potential Partnership program (UPP) which currently provides workforce training programs in three key industries - apparel, media, and tourism.
A total of 2000 scholarships will be available throughout Sri Lanka, with USAID providing 500 scholarships to youth in the east and north. Read more ...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
A new hospital for Sri Lankan IDPs
Sri Lanka's Health Ministry has taken measures to establish another hospital at Ramanadapuram in Chettikulam, Vavuniya to treat the sick and wounded Internally Displaced Persons.
Health Ministry said that they commenced the constructions of the hospital yesterday with the assistance of UNICEF.
The Ministry hopes to complete the constructions within the next few weeks to provide immediate medical facilities to the IDPs. Read more ...
Health Ministry said that they commenced the constructions of the hospital yesterday with the assistance of UNICEF.
The Ministry hopes to complete the constructions within the next few weeks to provide immediate medical facilities to the IDPs. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 11
- On 12 May, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, expressed her concerns at the deteriorating crisis and its serious toll on children.
- The ICRC confirmed in a press release that a staff member and his mother were killed by shrapnel today in the conflict zone. A Caritas Australia staff member was killed in a shell attack in the conflict zone on 8 May.
- Cases of chicken pox in Vavuniya have reached a cumulative total of 9,842 cases as of 11 May.
- On 12 May, CDMA mobile phones were provided to 8 out of 12 IDP sites in Jaffna. Banking and postal facilities have been made available in all 12 IDP sites in this district. Read more and download report
- The ICRC confirmed in a press release that a staff member and his mother were killed by shrapnel today in the conflict zone. A Caritas Australia staff member was killed in a shell attack in the conflict zone on 8 May.
- Cases of chicken pox in Vavuniya have reached a cumulative total of 9,842 cases as of 11 May.
- On 12 May, CDMA mobile phones were provided to 8 out of 12 IDP sites in Jaffna. Banking and postal facilities have been made available in all 12 IDP sites in this district. Read more and download report
Sri Lanka: third ICRC staff member killed in conflict area
A staff member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was killed by shrapnel today near Mullivaikal, in the coastal area held by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
His mother died in the same incident, which occurred around noon. This is the third time in just over two months that an ICRC employee has been killed inside the conflict zone.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of the deaths of our friend and colleague Sivakurunathan Majuran and of his mother, and extend our heartfelt condolences to their family and friends," said Paul Castella, the ICRC's head of delegation in Colombo. "This latest tragic incident shows how dangerous it is for everyone in the area." Read more ...
His mother died in the same incident, which occurred around noon. This is the third time in just over two months that an ICRC employee has been killed inside the conflict zone.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of the deaths of our friend and colleague Sivakurunathan Majuran and of his mother, and extend our heartfelt condolences to their family and friends," said Paul Castella, the ICRC's head of delegation in Colombo. "This latest tragic incident shows how dangerous it is for everyone in the area." Read more ...
Relief for IDPs from Lankan diaspora in USA
The first consignment of relief goods to the IDPs in Vanni from the Sri Lankan diaspora in USA was handed over to the Disaster Relief Services Minister Ameer Ali at his Ministry in Colombo on Tuesday.
As a totally independent voluntary project the relief program for the IDPs also opened a website futuresrilanka.com and their main coordinating centre was located in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan Diaspora in USA had managed to link with a large number of Sri Lankans in every part of the world, project coordinator Priyantha Samarajeewa said. Read more ...
As a totally independent voluntary project the relief program for the IDPs also opened a website futuresrilanka.com and their main coordinating centre was located in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan Diaspora in USA had managed to link with a large number of Sri Lankans in every part of the world, project coordinator Priyantha Samarajeewa said. Read more ...
Resettlement, Development and Security in the Northern Province: President appoints Task Force
President Mahinda Rajapaksa by virtue of powers vested in him by Article 33 (f) of the Constitution of the Democratic, Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, has appointed a 19- member Presidential Task Force for Resettlement, Development and Security in the Northern Province. It is mandated to prepare strategic plans, programs and projects to resettle internally displaced persons, rehabilitate and develop economic and social infrastructure of the Northern Province.
At the first meeting of the Task Force held yesterday Senior Presidential Advisor and the Chairman of the Task Force Basil Rajapaksa MP said, that 90 percent of the territory of the Northern Province had been cleared of terrorism by the Security Forces at great sacrifice under the guidance and leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The highest tribute that can be paid to the war heroes is to provide the IDPs with basic facilities, to resettle them in their original native places and to restore their livelihoods. Already Security Forces have taken steps to provide security to cleared areas and the Government led by the President has drawn its attention to the security of the people, security of the North and of the country, he added.
He further said that the President had sent a directive yesterday to all Secretaries of Ministries to make arrangements to resettle IDPs in their original homes and to restore their lost livelihoods. In the aftermath of the conflict in the East the Government successfully resettled IDPs. In the near future, IDPs in the North too will be resettled, pledged Basil Rajapaksa MP. Read more ...
At the first meeting of the Task Force held yesterday Senior Presidential Advisor and the Chairman of the Task Force Basil Rajapaksa MP said, that 90 percent of the territory of the Northern Province had been cleared of terrorism by the Security Forces at great sacrifice under the guidance and leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The highest tribute that can be paid to the war heroes is to provide the IDPs with basic facilities, to resettle them in their original native places and to restore their livelihoods. Already Security Forces have taken steps to provide security to cleared areas and the Government led by the President has drawn its attention to the security of the people, security of the North and of the country, he added.
He further said that the President had sent a directive yesterday to all Secretaries of Ministries to make arrangements to resettle IDPs in their original homes and to restore their lost livelihoods. In the aftermath of the conflict in the East the Government successfully resettled IDPs. In the near future, IDPs in the North too will be resettled, pledged Basil Rajapaksa MP. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Medical Activities Stepped Up in Vavuniya
While tens of thousands of people remain trapped in the combat zone, around 200,000 people have been able to flee and settle in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Vavuniya District of Sri Lanka's northeast. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams continue to provide surgical support in Vavuniya Hospital and deliver supplementary food to displaced people living at camps in Vavuniya and Manik Farm.
Last week, MSF signed an agreement with the Sri Lankan authorities to set up an emergency field hospital that will act as the main referral hospital for the 120,000 displaced people living in Manik Farm. MSF has also obtained agreements to start post-operative care in Paimpamadhu Ayurvedic Hospital, which treats patients discharged from Vavuniya Hospital. Read more ...
Last week, MSF signed an agreement with the Sri Lankan authorities to set up an emergency field hospital that will act as the main referral hospital for the 120,000 displaced people living in Manik Farm. MSF has also obtained agreements to start post-operative care in Paimpamadhu Ayurvedic Hospital, which treats patients discharged from Vavuniya Hospital. Read more ...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
US donates US$ 6 million relief to IDPs in Northern Sri Lanka
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) today announced that it has donated $6 million (Rs 720.5 million) aid to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in northern Sri Lanka.
The grant, made through the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is for non-food aid assistance to provide short-term, life-saving interventions for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in northern Sri Lanka, a press release by the US Embassy in Colombo said.
This grant to the United Nations and non-governmental organizations is in addition to the USAID's recent announcement of a $15 million (Rs 1.8 billion) donation of food aid to the U.N. World Food Program (WFP). Read more ...
The grant, made through the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is for non-food aid assistance to provide short-term, life-saving interventions for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in northern Sri Lanka, a press release by the US Embassy in Colombo said.
This grant to the United Nations and non-governmental organizations is in addition to the USAID's recent announcement of a $15 million (Rs 1.8 billion) donation of food aid to the U.N. World Food Program (WFP). Read more ...
Sri Lanka: IOM pilot project aims to reintegrate former LTTE combatants
IOM has launched a USAID-funded pilot project in the eastern district of Batticaloa to help reintegrate demobilized former LTTE Tamil Tiger rebels into civilian life.
The Information, Counselling and Referral Services (ICRS) project aims to reintegrate up to 1,000 former members of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikel (TMVP), an armed Tamil group led by Col. Karuna Amman, which split from the LTTE in 2007.
"Reintegrating former combatants into society, retraining them and helping them to find jobs and generate income is not easy, but is an essential first step towards stabilization, peace and economic recovery," says IOM Sri Lanka Chief of Mission Mohammed Abdiker. Read more ...
The Information, Counselling and Referral Services (ICRS) project aims to reintegrate up to 1,000 former members of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikel (TMVP), an armed Tamil group led by Col. Karuna Amman, which split from the LTTE in 2007.
"Reintegrating former combatants into society, retraining them and helping them to find jobs and generate income is not easy, but is an essential first step towards stabilization, peace and economic recovery," says IOM Sri Lanka Chief of Mission Mohammed Abdiker. Read more ...
Korea grants $ 500,000 for IDPs
The Korean Embassy in Colombo yesterday announced that responding to the UN appeals and the Sri Lankan Government’s requests, the Government of the Republic of Korea has decided to grant US$ 500,000 to Sri Lanka through the World Food Programme.
The aid offered by the Korean Government is to meet the immediate needs of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in conflict-afflicted areas of North and East of Sri Lanka. Read more ...
The aid offered by the Korean Government is to meet the immediate needs of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in conflict-afflicted areas of North and East of Sri Lanka. Read more ...
Northern rehabilitation and development: Call for transparency and accountability of INGOs
National Non Governmental Organisations which are in operation in Sri Lanka for several decades are asking the international donors and the United Nations agencies why they are being sidelined in the disbursement of aid for rehabilitation and development projects in the North.
These organisations are particularly concerned about the possibility of an influx of INGOs into the country to undertake projects without any transparency and accountability as it happened in the aftermath of the tsunami of 2004 December.
They are of the opinion that the bulk of the disbursement should be provided to the local NGOs and local expertise should be hired for the projects.
Sewa Lanka Organisation Chairman Dr. Harsha Kumara Navaratne
expressed dismay over foreign funding INGOs such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to meet the basic requirement of the civilians in welfare camps and villages. Read more ...
These organisations are particularly concerned about the possibility of an influx of INGOs into the country to undertake projects without any transparency and accountability as it happened in the aftermath of the tsunami of 2004 December.
They are of the opinion that the bulk of the disbursement should be provided to the local NGOs and local expertise should be hired for the projects.
Sewa Lanka Organisation Chairman Dr. Harsha Kumara Navaratne
expressed dismay over foreign funding INGOs such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to meet the basic requirement of the civilians in welfare camps and villages. Read more ...
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 9
- On 11 May, an estimated 900 civilians reportedly escaped from the conflict zone in Mullaitivu, with most having reached the Omanthai crossing point.
- On 9 May, the ICRC evacuated 516 patients and caregivers from the conflict zone to Pulmoddai. On 7 and 9 May, the ICRC offloaded a total of 50 metric tons of food provided by WFP for the civilians trapped in the conflict zone, as well as some medicine.
- The Australian Government announced that it will provide AUS$ 10 million (US$ 7.6 million) in humanitarian aid for internally displaced people, and the Italian Government has allocated a contribution of 400,000 Euros (US$ 544,500) to WFP for food security initiatives. Read more and download report ...
- On 9 May, the ICRC evacuated 516 patients and caregivers from the conflict zone to Pulmoddai. On 7 and 9 May, the ICRC offloaded a total of 50 metric tons of food provided by WFP for the civilians trapped in the conflict zone, as well as some medicine.
- The Australian Government announced that it will provide AUS$ 10 million (US$ 7.6 million) in humanitarian aid for internally displaced people, and the Italian Government has allocated a contribution of 400,000 Euros (US$ 544,500) to WFP for food security initiatives. Read more and download report ...
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Caring for Northern IDPs, a great opportunity to unite Sri Lanka – Dr Anula Wijesundera
‘The provision of humanitarian services among the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of the North provides a great opportunity to build bridges of unity among the communities of Sri Lanka’, Dr. Anula Wijesundera, president, Society for the Upliftment and Conservation of the Cultural, Economic and Social Standards (SUCCESS) and Consultant Physician, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, told this newspaper in an interview.
’ This enables us in the South to show that we are interested in them and are concerned about their well being. We have been constantly telling these IDPs that we consider all of them citizens of this country and as one Children of Mother Lanka’ the Head of SUCCESS, which is currently engaged in providing medical assistance and material relief to the IDP camps in the North, explained.
She said that ‘definite progress’ had been made by the state in caring for these persons and that this achievement is all the more remarkable when the massive numbers entering these camps are considered. Particularly after the ‘rescue operation’ by the military in mid April, there has been ‘an avalanche’ of such persons in the ‘liberated areas’ seeking relief but the state and social service organizations, such as SUCCESS, are coping well with the influx. Read more ...
’ This enables us in the South to show that we are interested in them and are concerned about their well being. We have been constantly telling these IDPs that we consider all of them citizens of this country and as one Children of Mother Lanka’ the Head of SUCCESS, which is currently engaged in providing medical assistance and material relief to the IDP camps in the North, explained.
She said that ‘definite progress’ had been made by the state in caring for these persons and that this achievement is all the more remarkable when the massive numbers entering these camps are considered. Particularly after the ‘rescue operation’ by the military in mid April, there has been ‘an avalanche’ of such persons in the ‘liberated areas’ seeking relief but the state and social service organizations, such as SUCCESS, are coping well with the influx. Read more ...
Mercy mobile clinics for Sri Lanka war victims
In the midst of a threatening humanitarian crisis in northern Sri Lanka, MERCY Malaysia has rolled out its healthcare facilities for fleeing Tamil civilians from the war zone.
It has set up four health posts (or mobile clinics) offering extended primary healthcare for thousands of internally displaced people (IDP) at Menik Farm in Cheddukulam, Vavuniya District located in the northern district of the island.
"There is an urgent need for healthcare in these camps. We were invited by the Health Ministry of Sri Lanka to run these projects in these camps. Our four posts will cater for about 100,000 IDP. Read more ...
It has set up four health posts (or mobile clinics) offering extended primary healthcare for thousands of internally displaced people (IDP) at Menik Farm in Cheddukulam, Vavuniya District located in the northern district of the island.
"There is an urgent need for healthcare in these camps. We were invited by the Health Ministry of Sri Lanka to run these projects in these camps. Our four posts will cater for about 100,000 IDP. Read more ...
Coca- Cola Beverages supply drinking water for IDPs
Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka, to help IDPs in the north, came forward with a donation of 100,000 bottles of water which were handed over to the Ministry of Healthcare.
“At Coca-Cola in Sri Lanka, all our associates have come forward to donate a part of their salary. This is just a small way of extending our support and to provide assistance to all our affected brethren,” said Sarath Jayasinghe, Human Resources Manager, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka, in a press release issued by the company.
Coca-Cola in the past has also engaged in several relief and rehabilitation measures with both national and international NGOs. Sunday Times
“At Coca-Cola in Sri Lanka, all our associates have come forward to donate a part of their salary. This is just a small way of extending our support and to provide assistance to all our affected brethren,” said Sarath Jayasinghe, Human Resources Manager, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka, in a press release issued by the company.
Coca-Cola in the past has also engaged in several relief and rehabilitation measures with both national and international NGOs. Sunday Times
IDPs hit by chicken pox and diarrhoea
Nearly 8,000 IDPs now housed in temporary camps have come down with chicken pox, Minister of Healthcare Nimal Siripala de Silva said.
Minister Silva told The Nation that many were suffering from the disease before they escaped from the No Fire Zone and more IDPs are suffering from diarrhoea at the same time. “Diseases such as chicken pox spread faster when you have a large number of people living together in close quarters. Therefore, the doctors are using the acyclovir vaccine to control the spread of the disease,” Silva said.
The Minister also said that Director of the Angoda Mental Hospital, Dr. Jayan Mendis and 50 more Mental Health Specialists have already been sent to treat the IDPs since they are suffering from mental depression, agony and pain.
“We are taking all measures to upgrade patient care and hospitals where IDPs are receiving medical care as their health had been neglected for years due to the on going war. The Ministry of Healthcare has taken all steps to strengthen the facilities since we want to give them the best care and facilities available in the country. They are part of us,” Silva said. Read more ...
Minister Silva told The Nation that many were suffering from the disease before they escaped from the No Fire Zone and more IDPs are suffering from diarrhoea at the same time. “Diseases such as chicken pox spread faster when you have a large number of people living together in close quarters. Therefore, the doctors are using the acyclovir vaccine to control the spread of the disease,” Silva said.
The Minister also said that Director of the Angoda Mental Hospital, Dr. Jayan Mendis and 50 more Mental Health Specialists have already been sent to treat the IDPs since they are suffering from mental depression, agony and pain.
“We are taking all measures to upgrade patient care and hospitals where IDPs are receiving medical care as their health had been neglected for years due to the on going war. The Ministry of Healthcare has taken all steps to strengthen the facilities since we want to give them the best care and facilities available in the country. They are part of us,” Silva said. Read more ...
IDP camp for 20,000 in Pulmuddai
A large-scale camp with a capacity to accommodate more than 20,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) will be set up shortly in Pulmuddai, in an apparent move to cope with a high influx of IDPs to the area.
At present 2,300 IDPs are sheltered at Pulmuddai Sinhala Vidyalaya while 1,700 and 1,632 are housed at Al-Noor Muslim Vidyalaya and the Pulmuddai Hindu Vidyalam, respectively. Meanwhile, the Indian field hospital is to be relocated to another area once hostilities conclude, The Nation learns.
District Secretary of Trincomalee, Ret. Maj. Gen. Ranjith Silva told The Nation, that the government was ready for any eventuality.
“Despite the present security situation, we are sending 30 tonnes of food every other day to the No Fire Zone. The government is ready to face any eventuality,” Gen. Ranjith Silva said. Read more ...
At present 2,300 IDPs are sheltered at Pulmuddai Sinhala Vidyalaya while 1,700 and 1,632 are housed at Al-Noor Muslim Vidyalaya and the Pulmuddai Hindu Vidyalam, respectively. Meanwhile, the Indian field hospital is to be relocated to another area once hostilities conclude, The Nation learns.
District Secretary of Trincomalee, Ret. Maj. Gen. Ranjith Silva told The Nation, that the government was ready for any eventuality.
“Despite the present security situation, we are sending 30 tonnes of food every other day to the No Fire Zone. The government is ready to face any eventuality,” Gen. Ranjith Silva said. Read more ...
Total revival of NE fishing soon
Sri Lanka can soon expect a total revival of the North East fishing sector with the relaxation of security measures.
Around 4,000 fishermen in Jaffna harvest 53,000 metric tons of fish per year. However, due to security precautions in 2008 the volume came down to 14,000 metric tons of fish while in the East the 72,000 MT fish yield had dropped to 22,380 MT.
However, in 2008 with the dawn of peace, fish production in the Eastern province increased to 61,000 MT. With permanent peace only a few days away the Northern fishing sector too is expected to get into top gear. New technology such as radio links are to be introduced in addition to the value chain from cool rooms, ice plants and freezer trucks being supplied. "A total physical distribution system is getting into place and there are many opportunities for the private sector to set up a fish canning factory as well," said Director, Economic Affairs of the Government Peace Secretariat, Rohantha Athukorala. Due to the 26-year conflict the North and East districts remain as the most underdeveloped regions in Sri Lanka and the Government is rightly focusing on development and bringing down the regional disparity. Read more ...
Around 4,000 fishermen in Jaffna harvest 53,000 metric tons of fish per year. However, due to security precautions in 2008 the volume came down to 14,000 metric tons of fish while in the East the 72,000 MT fish yield had dropped to 22,380 MT.
However, in 2008 with the dawn of peace, fish production in the Eastern province increased to 61,000 MT. With permanent peace only a few days away the Northern fishing sector too is expected to get into top gear. New technology such as radio links are to be introduced in addition to the value chain from cool rooms, ice plants and freezer trucks being supplied. "A total physical distribution system is getting into place and there are many opportunities for the private sector to set up a fish canning factory as well," said Director, Economic Affairs of the Government Peace Secretariat, Rohantha Athukorala. Due to the 26-year conflict the North and East districts remain as the most underdeveloped regions in Sri Lanka and the Government is rightly focusing on development and bringing down the regional disparity. Read more ...
Drinking water scheme for IDPs
A drinking water scheme at a cost Rs. 12 million was inaugurated last Wednesday at the Madagudaithakulam Rehabilitation Village in Vavuniya where 270 IDP families are housed.
The reservoir tank has a capacity of 34,000 litres and the scheme was funded by the OXFAM. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Divisional Secretary S. Sivapalasundaran, OXFAM representatives and government officials. The displaced families who have been living in the rehabilitation village for five years had to fetch drinking water from places two km away, reports said. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has, in consultation with the Indian High Commission in Colombo, decided to shift the Indian field hospital from Pulmoddai to the Menik Farm Welfare Village in Chettikulam in an effort to further enhance the medical and health facilities of large number of IDPs.
The process of shifting the hospital with its doctors numbering 50 and other staff has already started, reports said. Sunday Observer
The reservoir tank has a capacity of 34,000 litres and the scheme was funded by the OXFAM. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Divisional Secretary S. Sivapalasundaran, OXFAM representatives and government officials. The displaced families who have been living in the rehabilitation village for five years had to fetch drinking water from places two km away, reports said. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has, in consultation with the Indian High Commission in Colombo, decided to shift the Indian field hospital from Pulmoddai to the Menik Farm Welfare Village in Chettikulam in an effort to further enhance the medical and health facilities of large number of IDPs.
The process of shifting the hospital with its doctors numbering 50 and other staff has already started, reports said. Sunday Observer
Tamil politicos satisfied with rehabilitation process
Former Vavuniya district Parliamentarian and People’s Liberation Organisation Tamil Eelam Leader D. Sitharthan along with the General Secretary of the Eelam People’s Revolutionary Liberation Front (NABA) T. Sritharan who visited the rehabilitation centres set up for former LTTE cadres in Ambepussa and Pallekele have expressed satisfaction over the rehabilitation measures carried out in those centres.
Sitharthan and Sritharan visited the Ambepussa and Pallekele rehabilitation centres on Friday accompanied by the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice S. Gamlath.
Sitharthan told the Sunday Observer that T. Sritharan and he were the first Tamil politicians to visit those two rehabilitation centres set up for former LTTE cadres and they were extremely satisfied over the measures adopted at the centres with regard to rehabilitation activities.
“We presented various gifts to the former LTTE child cadres - around one-hundred members - girls and boys who are being rehabilitated at the Ambepussa centre. They have been provided all facilities and vocational training. The youngsters have been trained to handle computers. Those who handled guns are now conversant with the computer,” Sitharthan said. Read more ...
Sitharthan and Sritharan visited the Ambepussa and Pallekele rehabilitation centres on Friday accompanied by the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice S. Gamlath.
Sitharthan told the Sunday Observer that T. Sritharan and he were the first Tamil politicians to visit those two rehabilitation centres set up for former LTTE cadres and they were extremely satisfied over the measures adopted at the centres with regard to rehabilitation activities.
“We presented various gifts to the former LTTE child cadres - around one-hundred members - girls and boys who are being rehabilitated at the Ambepussa centre. They have been provided all facilities and vocational training. The youngsters have been trained to handle computers. Those who handled guns are now conversant with the computer,” Sitharthan said. Read more ...
Ensure safety of IDPs valuables
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has directed the police to take immediate measures to protect valuables such as jewellery and cash of Internally Displaced Persons. A large number of IDPs have brought their valuables along with them to the camps. To ensure the safety of the IDPs valuables, the Defence Secretary has instructed the police to ensure the safety of the IDPs belongings.
DIG Northern Range Nimal Lewke said that a special police awareness program to educate people not to keep their jewellery and money with them commenced a few weeks ago under the direction of the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The DIG said that Tamils in the North had refrained from keeping their jewellery and money in banks through fear of the LTTE as the Tigers insisted that they deposit their cash and jewellery in LTTE banks.
He said that extortionist gangs from Tamil political groups had relieved innocent Tamils of their cash and valuables. Read more ...
DIG Northern Range Nimal Lewke said that a special police awareness program to educate people not to keep their jewellery and money with them commenced a few weeks ago under the direction of the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The DIG said that Tamils in the North had refrained from keeping their jewellery and money in banks through fear of the LTTE as the Tigers insisted that they deposit their cash and jewellery in LTTE banks.
He said that extortionist gangs from Tamil political groups had relieved innocent Tamils of their cash and valuables. Read more ...
UN cash for the displaced people
UN agencies and international aid groups operating in the country have won direct commitments of funding of more than Rs. 8,000 million (about US $ 71.2 million) as emergency humanitarian aid for the war displaced people -- while the Government said yesterday it would enforce a 'national framework' for all organisations involved in relief and rehabilitation work.
In addition to the US $71 million committed, these organizations have also got around US $ 19 million made as uncommitted pledges since the recent large-scale displacement of civilians began in the North, according to figures compiled by the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Along with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the UN agencies involved in the operation include the World Food Program (WFP), its refugee agency UNHCR and UNICEF. The money is to be used to provide food, shelters and sanitary facilities for the displaced people in the north. A large amount of the money for the UN agencies has come from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) while several countries, too have committed funds for these organizations, The Sunday Times learns. Read more ...
In addition to the US $71 million committed, these organizations have also got around US $ 19 million made as uncommitted pledges since the recent large-scale displacement of civilians began in the North, according to figures compiled by the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Along with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the UN agencies involved in the operation include the World Food Program (WFP), its refugee agency UNHCR and UNICEF. The money is to be used to provide food, shelters and sanitary facilities for the displaced people in the north. A large amount of the money for the UN agencies has come from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) while several countries, too have committed funds for these organizations, The Sunday Times learns. Read more ...
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Fuel distribution centre opened in Paranthan
A filling station was opened yesterday (07 May) at the Paranthan Junction to facilitate fuel distribution in the Wanni and the North.
The centre was opened after renovating it on the instructions given by the Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka. It was opened under the patronage of Director of Planning and Transport Brigadier Ashoka Padeniya and 58 Division Commander Brigadier Shavendra Silva.
The filling station was under LTTE control for many years and LTTE terrorists had completely destroyed it before fleeing due to the effective offensive launched by the armed forces to capture the Paranthan junction. More ...
The centre was opened after renovating it on the instructions given by the Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka. It was opened under the patronage of Director of Planning and Transport Brigadier Ashoka Padeniya and 58 Division Commander Brigadier Shavendra Silva.
The filling station was under LTTE control for many years and LTTE terrorists had completely destroyed it before fleeing due to the effective offensive launched by the armed forces to capture the Paranthan junction. More ...
SLAF airlifts Tamil civilians injured in LTTE fire
Sri Lanka Air Force has airlifted Tamil civilians received severe injuries in LTTE indiscriminate firing to the Anuradhapura base hospital last evening, 8 May.
Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said 12 Tamil civilians airlifted from Alampil to Anuradhapura base hospital for immediate medical attention. Read more ...
Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said 12 Tamil civilians airlifted from Alampil to Anuradhapura base hospital for immediate medical attention. Read more ...
Navy rescues 32 Tamil civilians fleeing from LTTE clutches
Sri Lanka Navy rescued 32 Tamil civilians, who had been fleeing from the LTTE clutches, in the North-eastern seas on two occasions on the 06th and 7th of May 2009 respectively.
The first group consisting of 07 persons (04 adult males, 02 adult females and 01 child) was found fleeing in an FGD fitted with a 15 HP OBM around 1430 hrs on the 06th. The second group which consisted of 25 persons (09 adult males, 10 adult females and 06 children) were rescued around 1730 hrs on the 07th from an overcrowded FGD fitted with a 15 HP OBM. All were escorted safely to Pulmudai and were provided with food, refreshments and medical assistance.
Tens of thousands of innocent Tamil civilians trapped in the No Fire Zone began escaping from LTTE clutches when the advancing Security Forces personnel dismantled the LTTE's defences which held the innocent Tamil civilians captive as human shields. Freed civilians are arriving in the liberated areas in large numbers seeking safe refuge due to the confidence they have placed in the Government Security Forces whose humanitarian operations have helped Tamil civilians to extricate themselves from the LTTE terror. Read more ...
The first group consisting of 07 persons (04 adult males, 02 adult females and 01 child) was found fleeing in an FGD fitted with a 15 HP OBM around 1430 hrs on the 06th. The second group which consisted of 25 persons (09 adult males, 10 adult females and 06 children) were rescued around 1730 hrs on the 07th from an overcrowded FGD fitted with a 15 HP OBM. All were escorted safely to Pulmudai and were provided with food, refreshments and medical assistance.
Tens of thousands of innocent Tamil civilians trapped in the No Fire Zone began escaping from LTTE clutches when the advancing Security Forces personnel dismantled the LTTE's defences which held the innocent Tamil civilians captive as human shields. Freed civilians are arriving in the liberated areas in large numbers seeking safe refuge due to the confidence they have placed in the Government Security Forces whose humanitarian operations have helped Tamil civilians to extricate themselves from the LTTE terror. Read more ...
China will give US $ 1 million in humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka
China will give US $ 1 million in humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka to help the civilian Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the conflict, China’s Foreign Ministry has announced.
This announcement comes in the wake of an attack on the Chinese Embassy in London a few days ago, by LTTE hooligans and thugs as a protest for Chinese support to the Sri Lankan Government.
"China had paid great attention to Sri Lanka’s internal situation", said ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu at a news briefing.
He said it was in the fundamental interests of the Sri Lankan people to maintain social stability and realize national reconciliation, and it was expected by the international community.
“We hope to see the early realization of peace, stability and development of Sri Lanka,” Ma Zhaoxu said. Read more ...
This announcement comes in the wake of an attack on the Chinese Embassy in London a few days ago, by LTTE hooligans and thugs as a protest for Chinese support to the Sri Lankan Government.
"China had paid great attention to Sri Lanka’s internal situation", said ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu at a news briefing.
He said it was in the fundamental interests of the Sri Lankan people to maintain social stability and realize national reconciliation, and it was expected by the international community.
“We hope to see the early realization of peace, stability and development of Sri Lanka,” Ma Zhaoxu said. Read more ...
Northern development: NGOs pledge to cooperate
President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a meeting with the NGO fraternity at Temple Trees on Thursday, prevailed upon them that they were welcome to play a supplementary role to that of the Government when it comes to relief and rehabilitation efforts in the north.
During discussions, the President noted that the Government was prepared to support these organizations if they were prepared to work within the set framework by the authorities.
While acknowledging their contribution to the relief efforts so far, the President stressed that the Government was prepared to back these organizations if they come up with specific target oriented plans and necessary funding to carry out projects, which would benefit the displaced people.
President Rajapaksa also stressed that his prime intention of seeking support from all relevant sectors was to help people achieve better and equal living standards through out the country sans any geographical, religious or ethnic differences.
The President also paid special attention to the problems faced by these NGOs and regarding specific areas in which their support was needed.
While commending the Government’s present relief efforts in the north, NGO representatives prevailed upon the President that they could contribute in a significant way to supplement the relief/rehabilitation effort.
Admitting that some mistakes had taken place during their earlier efforts in the region, the NGO representatives stressed that they were prepared to carry forward the work while rectifying earlier mistakes. Read more ...
During discussions, the President noted that the Government was prepared to support these organizations if they were prepared to work within the set framework by the authorities.
While acknowledging their contribution to the relief efforts so far, the President stressed that the Government was prepared to back these organizations if they come up with specific target oriented plans and necessary funding to carry out projects, which would benefit the displaced people.
President Rajapaksa also stressed that his prime intention of seeking support from all relevant sectors was to help people achieve better and equal living standards through out the country sans any geographical, religious or ethnic differences.
The President also paid special attention to the problems faced by these NGOs and regarding specific areas in which their support was needed.
While commending the Government’s present relief efforts in the north, NGO representatives prevailed upon the President that they could contribute in a significant way to supplement the relief/rehabilitation effort.
Admitting that some mistakes had taken place during their earlier efforts in the region, the NGO representatives stressed that they were prepared to carry forward the work while rectifying earlier mistakes. Read more ...
Sri Lanka – Complex Emergency Fact Sheet #7 (FY 2009)
From late October through May 7, approximately 196,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) moved from the contested zone into Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL)-controlled territory, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The figure includes more than 194,000 IDPs in camps in Vavuniya, Mannar, Jaffna, and Trincomalee districts, and approximately 1,700 IDPs in hospitals.
On May 7, an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)-chartered ferry delivered approximately 25 metric tons (MT) of food provided by the U.N. World Food Program (WFP), as well as medical supplies, to the contested zone and evacuated approximately 500 sick or injured IDPs and accompanying caregivers. ICRC noted that security constraints had prevented ICRC evacuations by boat since April 30, and reported heavy fighting near the medical assembly point. Since February 10, ICRC has evacuated approximately 13,000 IDPs from the contested zone. Read more and download report ...
On May 7, an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)-chartered ferry delivered approximately 25 metric tons (MT) of food provided by the U.N. World Food Program (WFP), as well as medical supplies, to the contested zone and evacuated approximately 500 sick or injured IDPs and accompanying caregivers. ICRC noted that security constraints had prevented ICRC evacuations by boat since April 30, and reported heavy fighting near the medical assembly point. Since February 10, ICRC has evacuated approximately 13,000 IDPs from the contested zone. Read more and download report ...
Sri Lanka: WHO Situation Report, 07 May 2009
- 115,735 people have escaped from the LTTE controlled areas during 20th to 03rdMay.
- The government troops have intensified operations in the "No fire zone", with an estimated number of 15,000 -20,000 civilians still trapped
- Approximately 178,000 IDPs are in the government controlled areas in Vavuniya, and Trincomalee and 11,000 in Jaffna district. UN agencies INGOs and NGOs assist government to provide basic facilities like shelter, food, health care, psycho social services, and water supply and sanitation facilities.
- Majority of IDPs are located in Chettikulam area in 5 Zones. Read more and download report
- The government troops have intensified operations in the "No fire zone", with an estimated number of 15,000 -20,000 civilians still trapped
- Approximately 178,000 IDPs are in the government controlled areas in Vavuniya, and Trincomalee and 11,000 in Jaffna district. UN agencies INGOs and NGOs assist government to provide basic facilities like shelter, food, health care, psycho social services, and water supply and sanitation facilities.
- Majority of IDPs are located in Chettikulam area in 5 Zones. Read more and download report
Medical team for Sri Lanka
India will despatch next week a second batch of medical team to war-hit Sri Lanka to set up a treatment centre for civilians in the northeastern Vavuniya, sources in the Defence Ministry said here on Friday.
The 60-member team would replace the first batch that completes 60 days in the camp at Pulmodai in the eastern Trincomalee district. The Hindu
The 60-member team would replace the first batch that completes 60 days in the camp at Pulmodai in the eastern Trincomalee district. The Hindu
Nuns assist war-displaced elderly people
The body of an elderly person is placed on a vehicle at the Missionaries of Charity-run center to be taken for cremation. However, no relatives are present to mourn as many have been separated from one other as a result of the civil war.
"Severe injuries, organ failure, severe trauma and emotional problems as a result of being displaced have resulted in a number of deaths, and are a real challenge for us," says Sister Liz Jose, Superior of Anpu Illam (Home of Love) in Vavuniya.
The city in Mannar diocese is 60 kilometers from the no-fire zone in the northern Jaffna peninsula, where a civil war is raging between government troops and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Read more ...
"Severe injuries, organ failure, severe trauma and emotional problems as a result of being displaced have resulted in a number of deaths, and are a real challenge for us," says Sister Liz Jose, Superior of Anpu Illam (Home of Love) in Vavuniya.
The city in Mannar diocese is 60 kilometers from the no-fire zone in the northern Jaffna peninsula, where a civil war is raging between government troops and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Read more ...
Sri Lanka: US government-funded IOM clinics to provide primary health care for displaced
IOM engineers have completed the first of ten primary health care centres at the rapidly expanding Menik Farm displacement camp in Vavuniya, the government-controlled district southwest of Mullaitivu, where fighting between the government and LTTE Tamil Tigers continues.
With some 125,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) already in the camp and a further 25,000 currently sheltering in schools and public buildings in Vavuniya town expected to be transferred there, government health services in the 1,000-acre camp are stretched to the limit.
The clinics, which will each be initially staffed by two government doctors and two nurses, will provide diagnosis, emergency care, health education and referrals for the IDPs, many of whom are sick, injured and malnourished after multiple displacements and years of poor living conditions during the war. Read more ...
With some 125,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) already in the camp and a further 25,000 currently sheltering in schools and public buildings in Vavuniya town expected to be transferred there, government health services in the 1,000-acre camp are stretched to the limit.
The clinics, which will each be initially staffed by two government doctors and two nurses, will provide diagnosis, emergency care, health education and referrals for the IDPs, many of whom are sick, injured and malnourished after multiple displacements and years of poor living conditions during the war. Read more ...
Navy conducts Medical Clinics for Freed Tamil Civilians
Under the direction of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, a series of medical clinics has been initiated for the benefit of the Tamil civilians who have begun to arrive in the liberated areas seeking safe refuge having broken themselves free from the LTTE clutches. The humanitarian initiative, which has received wide acclaim due to its immense popularity amongst the beneficiaries, is being implemented on the instructions of Director General Health Services (DGHS) Surgeon Rear Admiral NELW Jayasekara.
The humanitarian initiative commenced with the medical clinic conducted at Pulmudai Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya on the 02nd of May 2009. Two hundred eighty-eight (288) patients (108 adult males, 78 adult females and 102 children) were provided with medical treatment at the inaugural medical clinic. The second medical clinic was held at Pulmudai Muslim Vidyalaya on the 05th of May and a total of 186 patients (42 adult males, 49 adult females and 95 children) was treated for a wide range of ailments. Read more ...
The humanitarian initiative commenced with the medical clinic conducted at Pulmudai Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya on the 02nd of May 2009. Two hundred eighty-eight (288) patients (108 adult males, 78 adult females and 102 children) were provided with medical treatment at the inaugural medical clinic. The second medical clinic was held at Pulmudai Muslim Vidyalaya on the 05th of May and a total of 186 patients (42 adult males, 49 adult females and 95 children) was treated for a wide range of ailments. Read more ...
Further urgent humanitarian assistance for Sri Lanka
Following the launch on Monday 4 May of an urgent United Nations appeal for emergency international assistance, Australia will provide a further $10 million in humanitarian assistance to meet the critical needs of civilians adversely affected by the conflict in northern Sri Lanka, particularly those in displaced peoples camps or near the conflict zone.
Australia's contribution will be aimed at key areas for assistance including water, sanitation, shelter, food and health care. It will be provided through United Nations agencies, including UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) and Australian NGOs.
The $10 million will include $4 million for UNICEF, $2.5 million for the WFP, $1.5 million to other UN agencies and $2 million for Australian NGOs. Read more ...
Australia's contribution will be aimed at key areas for assistance including water, sanitation, shelter, food and health care. It will be provided through United Nations agencies, including UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) and Australian NGOs.
The $10 million will include $4 million for UNICEF, $2.5 million for the WFP, $1.5 million to other UN agencies and $2 million for Australian NGOs. Read more ...
LTTE women, child soldiers to be rehabilitated
There are around 600 women soldiers, 400 child soldiers and a large number of orphaned children among the LTTE members who surrendered to the Sri Lankan armed forces.
The Child Development and Women's Empowerment Ministry will make arrangements to re-integrate them in to the society after rehabilitation, a Child Development and Women's Empowerment Ministry spokesman said.
He said the Ministry will set up four rehabilitation centres for them in Bogawanthalawa, Thalawa, Biyagama and Paranthan to carry out this task.
The Ministry will use six abandoned state schools located in the North Western and North Central Provinces as rehabilitation centres.
UNICEF will support the Ministry to implement this project. Read more ...
The Child Development and Women's Empowerment Ministry will make arrangements to re-integrate them in to the society after rehabilitation, a Child Development and Women's Empowerment Ministry spokesman said.
He said the Ministry will set up four rehabilitation centres for them in Bogawanthalawa, Thalawa, Biyagama and Paranthan to carry out this task.
The Ministry will use six abandoned state schools located in the North Western and North Central Provinces as rehabilitation centres.
UNICEF will support the Ministry to implement this project. Read more ...
Foreign aid to provide electricity to North and East
The Iran Aid Project, Asian Development Bank, International Co-operative agency and NORAD have granted loans for the provision of projects to provide electricity to the villages in the North and East under the concept of providing electricity to the villages islandwide, the Power and Energy Ministry said.
Aid has been granted already for 75 Rural Electrification projects have completed under the proposed 114 projects in the North and East. By the conflict Affected Area Rehabilitation Project (CAARP) Rs. 932 million, Asian Development Bank 7.6 million US$, NORAD 8 million US$ and International Co-operative agency Million 32 US$ have granted as Aid. Read more ...
Aid has been granted already for 75 Rural Electrification projects have completed under the proposed 114 projects in the North and East. By the conflict Affected Area Rehabilitation Project (CAARP) Rs. 932 million, Asian Development Bank 7.6 million US$, NORAD 8 million US$ and International Co-operative agency Million 32 US$ have granted as Aid. Read more ...
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