May 2011
In April 2009, Christian Aid launched an appeal to assist the thousands of people affected by the escalating conflict between Sri Lankan government forces and Tamil Tiger separatists.
At the height of the conflict, the UN estimated that 200,000 people were caught up in the violence and thousands were forced to seek refuge in transit camps.
Two years on from the conflict
The conflict came to an end on 19 May 2009 when the government armed forces defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
Two years on, and 16,000 people are still living in transit camps waiting to be resettled.
The majority of people have returned to their home districts in the Northern Province or Jaffna, but over 100,000 people are left living with host families as their houses were either destroyed or badly damaged by the conflict.
They have limited access to basic services such as medical care, water and sanitation because the country’s infrastructure was badly affected by the fighting.
Areas of the country were heavily landmined, making it difficult for those who have returned home to start farming and make a living again.
Christian Aid’s response
Christian Aid is still responding - helping those who remain in the transit camps and assisting those who are returning home.
Thanks to your support we have reached out to over 30,000 families and helped others to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
In addition to this, our partner OfERR continues to support 73,000 Sri Lankan refugees living in 115 camps in Tamil Nadu, India.
How you can help
Your donations to our Sri Lanka crisis appeal continue to support this essential work.
