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Sri Lanka

In the wake of the 2004 tsunami, HI set up rehabilitation centres. Since 2015, HI shifted its action to address reconciliation issues, including transitional justice and reducing inequalities via inclusive economic development programming.

Sri Lanka - Humanity & Inclusion

Actions in process

HI's teams took rapid and effective action immediately after the 2004 tsunami hit Sri Lanka. The organisation, which has been working in the country since 1992, provides support to vulnerable people and people with disabilities, who are disadvantaged and particularly exposed to the risk of natural disasters, through inclusive employment and community social inclusion projects.

HI has also trained civil society organisations to provide vulnerable people, people with disabilities and women with job opportunities.

Today, HI also provides rehabilitation care to children born with clubfoot using the Ponseti method. In addition, the organisation raises community awareness of this issue and enhances the early detection of disability.

Areas of intervention

 

Situation of the country

Sri Lanka was already ravaged by armed conflict when the tsunami hit its coast in 2004.

The war which consumed the north of the country lasted for nearly 30 years (1983 - 2009) and caused more than 60,000 deaths. Thousands of people were injured, of whom many were left with disabilities and many sustained their injuries from shells or anti-personnel landmines. Some 390,000 people were displaced by the conflict during the civil war.

The 2004 tsunami caused widespread physical and social damage. The disaster killed more than 40,000 people and left over 250,000 homeless. In recent years, flooding forced more than 400,000 to flee their homes in 2008 and a further 300,000 in 2010.

Now, Sri Lanka face a serious political and economic crisis that impoverishes a large part of the population. The UN plans to provide emergency food and livelihood assistance, among other, to 30% of the population.

Number of HI staff members: 8

Date programme opened: 1992

 
Map of Humanity & Inclusion's interventions in Sri Lanka
 
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