CARE Canada

Published purpose

For over two decades a civil war has raged in Sri Lanka between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Despite the end of hostilities in May 2009, the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka continues to be of concern. Approximately 300,000 internally displaced people are now located in government-controlled camps and transit sites. As of mid-August 2009, a small number of the displaced have begun to return home. The massive influx of internally displaced persons placed severe strain on the humanitarian services available. The key challenges include: insufficient access to food and potable water, poor sanitation, overcrowded conditions, over-stretched health and education infrastructure, and protection concerns for vulnerable populations and people with special needs. CIDA’s contribution is supporting CARE Canada in helping to improve the living conditions, health, and physical security of conflict-affected individuals in Northern Sri Lanka. Activities include the provision of emergency shelters and relief items, water and sanitation services, and health and hygiene education. Project activities target displaced families and their host communities, particularly the most vulnerable households: those with pregnant and lactating women, mentally and physically disabled persons, and unaccompanied children and elders, as well as households headed by females.