World Vision 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. With CIDA support, World Vision is providing emergency shelter for displaced populations in Northern Sri Lanka. Project activities also include protection activities geared to displaced, conflict-affected children, particularly by providing safe child-friendly spaces and temporary learning spaces for the most vulnerable (e.g. girls, separated and unaccompanied children, and children vulnerable to abduction).