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 ...