Sri Lanka Conflict
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While the fighting appears to have ceased, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is pursuing efforts, so far without success, to reach the area of north-eastern Sri Lanka hardest hit by the conflict.
According to government figures, there are currently more than 250,000 displaced people (IDPs) in some 20 camps.
Red Cross Response:
The Red Cross Movement is on the ground distributing drinking water, food packs and emergency supplies to around 40,000 people in the biggest camp, Menik Farm, near Vavuniya. Tents and plastic sheeting have been distributed to serve as temporary shelter for around 17,000 people.
At Padaviya and Manna hospitals, the ICRC has constructed shelters to accommodate an additional 500 beds. An ICRC surgical team is working in Mannar hospital. More efforts to expand the hospital capacities are under way.
Canadian Red Cross response:
In times of conflict, the International Committee of the Red Cross becomes the lead organization within the Red Cross Movement. However, the Canadian Red Cross has a long history in Sri Lanka and is ready to help.
The Canadian Red Cross has been working in country with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRC) since 1992. In 2004, the Canadian Red Cross launched a large-scale response after the Asian tsunami devastated thousands. Today, Canadian Red Cross programming includes reconstruction, health and livelihood initiatives.
In addition to tsunami recovery activities, the Canadian Red Cross is active in the North of Sri Lanka. Canadian Red Cross response activities underway include supporting the training and deployment of first aid volunteers and ambulance personnel and the provision of equipment in four area hospitals. Access to IDP camps remains limited and therefore our longstanding partnership with the SLRC is essential in meeting the needs of vulnerable communities.
The Canadian Red Cross has four Canadian delegates working in country. Additional aid workers are on standby should further assistance be required.
The Canadian public and the Government of Canada have donated generously to Red Cross efforts in Sri Lanka, particularly post-tsunami and we are grateful for their support. If Canadians wish to continue contributing, they can do so by contacting their local Red Cross.
