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Sri Lanka

Over 25 years of civil conflict and simmering ethnic tensions in Sri Lanka have left thousands in need of humanitarian assistance.

Widespread poverty across the country further compounds the urgent needs of vulnerable communities.

Canadian Red Cross

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, disaster risk reduction 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 is also supporting the SLRCS to implement a community based health program targeting IDP’s resettling in their communities in northern Sri Lanka.

The Canadian Red Cross has five 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.

Click here for more information on Sri Lanka conflict response

Click here for more information on tsunami recovery operations

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Thanks to the generous support of donors like you we assist millions of people in need around the world each year through our international programs. Please donate to the International Programs Fund today.

Updated November 17, 2009

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