Sri Lanka JUNE 2009 Sri Lanka

Home , Hambantota District, Maharagama, Solidar

JUNE 2009 Sri Lanka JUNE 2009 Sri Lanka

Published by ASB/Solidar 12, Gower Street, Colombo 5, Sri Lanka Tel : +94-11-2554 530 Fax : +94-11-2555 610 Website : www.solidarsrilanka.org Email : [email protected]

ASB Representative: matthew todd

SAH Representative: kathrin bergmann

Head of Communications: Editorial sulochana peiris Welcome to the June 2009 edition of the basic needs for nearly 280,000 people who Solidar Newsmagazine. have been displaced and fleeing for their Associate Editor prof. peter brannen lives for nearly 3 years. All assistance must This issue goes to press before the dust has be extended in accordance with UN Guiding settled on the frontlines of the Mullaitivu Principles on IDPs (Internally Displaced Per- Information Officer: meryse tissera district, which has been the theatre of the fi- son) and this includes facilitation of humani- nal act of the three decade war between the tarian access for the UN, the ICRC and other Solidar Secretariat Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation I/NGOs by the authorities. Restraints on ac- rue de commerce, Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Much has been cess to IDPs continue to be one of the grave B-1000, Brussels, Belgium said and written about the Government’s ex- concerns that all humanitarian agencies are Tel : +322 500 1020 ecution of the final episode of fighting that confronted with and have voiced their frus- Fax : +322 500 1030 witnessed unprecedented collateral damage trations over. The Government’s commitment on civilians who were used as human shields to provide emergency assistance to displaced General Secretary: by LTTE. The end of the civil war represents a populations will be closely monitored by the conny reuter historic and unprecedented opportunity for international community and be a litmus test Sri Lanka, perhaps the most important since for its ability and will to address the long term International independence, to make amends for the costly grievances of the entire Tamil population in Corporation Coordinator: and grave political miscalculations made by the North/East. andrea maksimovic past regimes. Sri Lanka needs to seize this chance to find a sustained and an acceptable The underlying theme of this edition of the Design and Layout: political solution to the ethnic Tamil issues Newsletter is ‘looking back-looking forward’. infinite media that lay behind and provided the raison d’etre In parallel with the historic changes taking www.infinitemedia.ws for the emergence of an armed group like the place in the country, Solidar Sri Lanka has ex- LTTE. Such a solution has to be rooted in safe- perienced some structural and organizational Photographs guarding democracy, human rights, equal- changes to its own modus operandi, foremost RICHARD SCHMIDT ity and justice for all communities. Now that amongst these was the departure of Norwe- AND OTHERS the LTTE is out of the equation, Government gian People’s Aid from Sri Lanka in April and should make every effort to work with mod- a reorientation of the Consortium with ASB erate Tamil political representatives as much in the lead. An article by Matthew Todd, ASB as other political parties to achieve this goal Country Director on page 13 sets out the fu- without further delay. ture direction of ASB/Solidar Sri Lanka programme. The immediate task, however, is to provide effective and appropriate emergency assis- The start of this new era also seemed an ap- tance measures such as shelter, food, water propriate time to review and take stock of the and sanitation, medical services and other extent of the Solidar Consortium contribution

2 Inside

2 Editorial

4 Challenges of an Unprecedented Humanitarian Mission

9 Interview with Dr. Palitha Kohona – Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

13 ASB/Solidar in Sri Lanka - Looking Forward

14 The Solidar Consortium 2005-2009: A Review

16 Emergency Relief and across the whole country to social and economic development, re- Humanitarian Response construction and emergency relief. This section runs from page 14 to 44. Despite the impression given by some commentators it is worth emphasizing that 80% of our project budget has been spent outside 27 Housing/Reconstruction of the Northern province. This point and others is made in a valedic- tory article from our very own Guy Rhodes, who was Solidar Sri Lanka Representative from January 2005 to April 2009. I take this opportu- 33 Social and Economic Development nity thank Guy on behalf of the Solidar family and wish him all the best for his future endeavours. 45 Some Reflections from the On page 9, is an interview with Dr. Palitha Kohona, the Secretary to Outgoing Solidar Representative the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who provides answers to a range of issues pertaining to Sri Lanka Government’s conduct of war against LTTE and other related topics. 47 QIPs News

Along with a number of other INGOs, ASB/Solidar provides assistance to thousands of displaced families currently sheltering in IDP 48 War On Want in Sri Lanka centres in the district of Vavuniya. The challenges we are confronted with pretty much echo those of other humanitarian actors on the ground. An interview with Richard Schmidt, ASB/Solidar Vavuniya 49 Solidarité Laïque, A Long Programme Coordinator describes some of the immediate problems Standing Partner of Solidar that need to be addressed in order to continue our assistance efforts in support of IDPs in a meaningful manner. 50 Opening of the Housing The ASB/Solidar Sri Lanka Programme has ongoing funding and other types of support from SOLIDAR Network members in Europe. This Project in Vaharai edition includes further details of two such members - War On Want and Solidarité Laïque and their project activities in Sri Lanka. 51 SOLIDAR General Assembly Pays We hope you will find this issue as interesting as our previous Tribute to the Humanitarian editions. Please do not hesitate to send us your feedback to solidar- [email protected] or to our new postal address mentioned in the top left Commmitment and Courage of of page 2. Solidar Volunteer Staff in

Sulochana Peiris North Sri Lanka. Editor

news. June 2009 3 Challenges of an Unprecedented Humanitarian Mission

Prior to the Tsunami, Richard Schmidt was the Senior Technical Advisor with the NPA Mine Action Programme. As Deputy Programme Manager of NPA in 2005 he was a founding staff member of the Solidar Consortium in Sri Lanka. After 2 years away between September 2005 to October 2007 Richard returned as a Project Manager for ASB’s construction activities in the North, based in Kilinochchi. From July 2008 Richard took on the responsibilities as Programme Coordinator North and Head of Office for Solidar’s field offices in Vavuniya and Kilinochchi. He closed the Kilinochchi office following a mandatory withdrawal of all aid agencies from the ‘uncleared area’ in September 2008.The evolving situation has created continuous challenges for those most directly involved in managing and coordinating the programme’s activities and staff. In the following interview, Richard Schmidt talks about the challenges of implementing an unprecedented humanitarian mission in support of thousands of displaced families currently sheltering in IDP centres in the Menik Farm area,Vavuniya District.

4 hat activities has ASB/Solidar been recently Wimplementing in the North? As part of an integrated IDP programme, ASB has mostly focused on the WASH, Shelter, and NFRI sectors. We have constructed emergency and semi-permanent shelters and latrines, provided clean drinking water through bowsering and well cleaning/rehabilitation, hygiene promotion and the delivery of non-food items. These projects were implemented previously from our office in Kilinoch- chi and now from our Vavuniya base. Our Solidar partner SAH continues to deliver livelihood support through projects such as home gardens, small business support and cash grants.

hat other agencies are participating in the Wemergency response in the North? All agencies that relocated from Kilinochchi in September 2008 such as Oxfam, CARE, Save the Children, World Vision, Danish Refu- gee Council, ZOA, as well as the main UN agencies continue to be working in Vavuniya. Other agencies like ACTED and Handicap In- ternational have more recently joined the emergency relief efforts. A number of LNGOs are involved, mostly working in partnership with larger agencies. Sewa Lanka is one of the largest LNGOs managing multiple partnership contracts. ter and sanitation, NFRI and health care. The first thing most newly Until February this year when 30,000 IDPs arrived in Vavuniya in 1 arrived IDPs do after their journey is bathe. In order to do this they week, few emergency activities were implemented in Vavuniya. Af- need sufficient water supply with privacy screening, NFRIs includ- ter the relocation from Kilinochchi, using the “Aid Worker Volunteer” ing a container to scoop the water, a towel to dry themselves, a mechanism, implemented under the direct supervision of the GAs clean change of clothes and soap from the hygiene kit. of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, some agencies were able to continue to support activities in the uncleared areas of the Vanni, providing Agencies contributed with all their resources but it still took some much needed assistance to thousands of IDPs. time before stability was maintained for the IDPs. The inter agency coordination mechanisms were definitely tested in February and improvements were made in preparation for the expected arrival of many more IDPs. Even with the large number of agencies working on the ground, it has been a real logistical challenge to address the needs of so many people in such a short time. In the last 2 weeks of April when over 100,000 people arrived in about five days, many had to wait days to be processed and housed in the camps. NFRI distributions were delayed until families were registered with the government administration and delayed even more until a safe environment was ensured for distributions.

I had two trucks holding over ten thousand bottles of drinking water that, due to crowd control concerns, we were unable to deliver as ASB/Solidar able to implement such activities for 2 days. Even when we had assistance to manage people into or- Wthrough the GAs ‘Aid Worker Volunteer’ derly lines it was extremely difficult to keep control of. People kept mechanism? surging towards the truck with their hands out and desperation in their eyes and voices. Yes. Whatever resources we were unable to relocate to Vavuniya It seems that now, since the government has declared a military in September 2008 were handed over to the GA to manage along victory, no more IDPs will arrive. This should give us a chance to with 29 staff who were able and willing to work. From September reassess the gap between the needs and the capacity available to 2008 to April 2009 we supported the construction of hundreds of do the work required. temporary shelters, dozens of latrines and the delivery of millions of litres of water. Volunteers were also attached to hospitals maintaining generators, electrical systems and plumbing systems. ow is the work organized or coordinated between Hthe agencies? ow challenging have these influxes been to deal with? All active INGOs and a number of local NGOs participate in sector H groups for the shelter, NFRI, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), education, health and food sectors. They meet at regular intervals Apart from providing basic survival needs we also work to maintain according to the level of emergency and discuss any common is- human dignity. These people arrived in huge numbers from the sues. At these meetings worksites are allocated to agencies for their war zone and needed immediate assistance with food, shelter, wa-

news. June 2009 5 activities and completed activities are recorded. All this information Districts where the IDP needs were greatest. We anticipated how- is brought together in a coordination matrix that is distributed back ever that Kilinochchi was likely to be the next battleground and we to all agencies. Each sector usually feeds their information into a would need to operate from Vavuniya. During the year we added master matrix with population and activity updates for every loca- new projects such as hygiene promotion and moved into a bigger tion which UNOCHA distributes at least one a week. and better office. We hired new staff and secured storage space for logistics. Resources such as vehicles, computers and staff also The coordination works better in theory than in practice, but it still strengthened the Vavuniya office during the relocation in Septem- works. It’s far from perfect because it takes a lot of energy and time ber. to coordinate such a complex operation. There will always be room for improvement but many agencies and individuals are putting in ome people allege that those IDP camps are open a real effort to make it work. Sprisons. As someone who is on the ground having much closer observation of the set up, what is your an you describe ASB/Solidar’s approach to view on this? Cproviding humanitarian assistance to displaced families? To date there has been limited success with the release of some elderly people and most of the UN staff from the camps, but there are now over 250,000 IDPs in Vavuniya district out of which the majority of them sheltering at Menik Farm making it one of the biggest IDP sites in the world. We work to maintain human dignity for all IDPs and this becomes more challenging with IDP sites arranged the way they are. It is alarming to realise that all these people are completely dependent on what comes in through the front gate of each site including food and water. There is severe over-congestion of sites, with four or more families sharing a shelter designed for one family. Water supply does not meet the minimum requirements and communal cooking has a number of its own challenges.

At one point the Government indicated that IDPs will have to remain in Menik Farm for two to three years but they more recently declared that the return process will be initiated this year. Other en- couraging news was when the Vavuniya GA this week announced that all camps will now be fully administered by civilian authorities and that the military will not enter the camps. I am sure the government is keen to accelerate the return process for many reasons, one being the obvious un-sustainability of existing IDP camp arrangements. Even at a dollar a day to feed and provide water to each person it would cost over a quarter of a million dollars per day to keep the camps running. Hopefully more people will be released from the camps as the Government gains confidence in their screening process to correctly identify non-combatants and provide them with the same rights regular citizens of this nation enjoy. Now that Our humanitarian assistance is based on a holistic approach. a military victory has been declared it would be very helpful if the Through our Integrated IDP Programme we aim to provide a com- government provided a detailed recovery and return plan for this plete package of relief assistance from shelter to water and sanita- year and next year. This would give agencies and donors confi- tion and hygiene awareness, as well as cash grants and home gar- dence in the temporary nature of existing camps as well as provid- dens for livelihoods support through our Solidar partner SAH. For ing background information for funding future projects. example, when we undertake to build shelters on a site, we also build toilets, provide water, and implement hygiene information re you satisfied with humanitarian access to these projects as well as livelihood support to that same community. AIDP camps? n terms of ASB/Solidar capacity, do you think we Until now we have managed to continue delivery of aid in all our Iare prepared and well equipped? sectors but it is becoming increasingly difficult. More restrictions

are placed on the type of vehicle allowed into the camps. Some- We have secured funding for a significant contribution to the emer- times we are asked to remove flags from the vehicles before enter- gency in the North and we continue to seek funding according to ing and other times we are told to leave the car outside the front our implementation capacity. This current funding enabled us to gate. Normally for national staff it’s simply a matter of providing stockpile prefabricated emergency shelters, emergency latrines and water tanks, as well as procuring NFRIs ready to deliver wher- appropriate personal and professional identification, however last ever is needed. Over the last 18 or so months we were able to antici- week all agencies had to apply for special ID cards for their staff to pate certain eventualities and plan accordingly. As it turned out, our access the camps. A few months ago one of our teams, the HIP (Hy- planning was appropriate to the events that actually occurred and giene Information Project) team was denied access because they we can be quite proud of that. At the beginning of 2008 we iden- had mobile phones in their bags. They were told to come back the tified the fact that our Vavuniya capacity needed to be strength- following day which they did and were allowed entry. The inconsis- ened. At that time it was a very small office supporting a few small tent policies are frustrating because each delay or denial of entry projects. Our efforts were focused on Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu reduces our effectiveness to deliver vital aid.

6 re these type of issues taken up at the coordination as the only practical solution. Financially, nobody, including the Ameetings you have with the GA and the military? Government and donors will have money to support hundreds of thousands of people for a long period of time. I am guessing how- They are, and sometimes our concerns are heard and dealt with, for ever that the defence/national security strategy may not be com- which we are grateful, but other times our issues are ignored or giv- pletely compatible with the recovery/resettlement/development en the run around. Generally, specific issues are dealt with on the strategy. The MOD do not want to risk anything and they don’t ground. Our staff show due respect to camp authorities and comply want to send people back in an uncontrolled way for fear of hav- with any reasonable instructions given. For access issues we would ing another uprising so I think they want to have a lot more control contact the senior official on site and explain what we are involved of what goes back into the Vanni and when. Musali returns have in and the specific purpose of our visit. At a senior level the authori- started but some of these return plans take time. There are many ties are approachable and mostly reasonable. IDPs in Mannar who have been waiting for years and still have no indication of a return to their homes. Hopefully the end to the war re you hopeful that the Government will be able will enable the return process to accelerate. It would be encourag- Ato resettle displaced communities in their places ing but I don’t anticipate much return occurring during 2009. We of origin over the next 12 months or so? may see some returns to north Vavuniya and Manthai West, north of Mannar, but I don’t see significant returns to Kilinochchi or Mul- I think there are enough people in the Government who realise this laitivu Districts until sometime in 2010.

news. June 2009 7 Vanni IDP Movements As of 28 May, 2009 Northern Area 79°30'0"E 80°0'0"E 80°30'0"E 81°0'0"E 81°30'0"E

Area Detail Î As of 28 May 2009 ¬ Üt Displaced Persons: 276,785 Jaffna Î Üt Üt Üt Üt District Number of IDP Camps Æ, ! Üt t Üt Üt Üt Î Üt Ü Jaﬀna 11 A9 Vavuniya 25 Mannar 2 Elephant Pass N ! Trincomalee 2

'0" 11,086 IDPs 0

9°3 Legend Chalai District Boundary ! Semi Permanent Shelter Sites ! Palamattalan Üt Killinochchi ! Putumattalan t Emergency Shelter Sites ! Ampalavanpokkanai Ü Iranapalai ! ! Valayanmadam 0Üt New site identified for ! Karaiyamullivaikal Emergency Shelter ! ! Vellamullivaikal , Hospitals with Vanni injured patients PTK ! Æ 9 Ports

A Î 4 Mullaittivu ¬ Domestic Airports A3 IDP movement by sea IDP movement by Land

2 3 6,698 IDPs N " A 0 Üt

9°0' Æ, !Î Üt Æ, Mannar 0Üt Üt Data source: Üt Omanthai Pulmoddai UNHCR Colombo.

9 Æ, Üt A Vavuniya t Padaviya Updated as at: 28-May-2009 398 IDPs tÜÜtÆ,ÜtÜtt Üt ÜtÜt ÜtÜ0ÜtÜt!Üt Ü 234195 Patients Produced on: 29-May-2009 Üt Üt Üt Üt Üt Ütt ÜtÜttÜtÜt 0Üt Projection / Transverse Mercator Ü ÜtÜt Datum Kandawala t Ü 0Üt Admin Survey Department, Üt boundaries Government of provided by: Sri Lanka 256,287 IDPs Î! I n d i a n O c e a n Trincomalee Æ, MapNumber: OCHA/LK/Colombo/IDP/018/V19 N

'0" This map is designed for printing on A4 0 ! 8°3 Æ, size KiloÜmeters The boundaries, names and the 2,122 Patients in hospitals outside Trincomalee designations used on this map do not 0 12.5 25 Kantale imply official endorsement or acceptance Æ, by the United Nations. Produced through the generous support of:

© 2009 United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Sri Lanka # 202-204, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Tel: +94 (11) 4528689, Fax: +94 (11) 4528690, Email: [email protected] ,Website: www.humanitarianinfo.org/srilanka, http://ochaonline2.un.org/srilanka

an you update us on the status of the 29 member and sanitation. As for other emergency activities like shelter and Cteam of ASB-Solidar Aid Worker Volunteers NFRI, we are still struggling to satisfy the needs but they can even- who were working under the supervision of the tually be met. Inadequate supply of clean water and insufficient Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu GAs? waste disposal facilities is leading to the spread of disease. Already there are outbreaks in the camps such as chicken pox, hepatitis and As I mentioned earlier a number of our staff were able to continue diarrhoea, which will only get worse if water and sanitation does working under the GAs Aid Worker Volunteer Mechanism. In Sep- not improve. tember 2008, when we left the Vanni, we had 73 staff employed. 29 of them registered with the GAs of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu ersonally do you feel that you are making a and continued to deliver aid where directed to by the GA. Most of Pdifference? our former staff are now in IDP camps and we were saddened to hear last week that one staff member Mr. Sellathurai Arulventhan Absolutely. My input however is just to provide a bit of leadership who had been working as GA volunteer staff, was killed on 14th of and support to a great team of staff. We have skilled and motivated May 2009 at Madduval, Mullaitivu. Our staff working as GA Aid Vol- people who have come together as a team and delivered more than unteers did a commendable job since September under unimag- I could have imagined. Our activity reports speak for themselves inably difficult conditions. They were displaced many times from but I believe that we had contributed between 5 and 10% of the September 2008 to April this year from Kilinochchi towards Mul- aid delivered across our sectors during the initial emergency from laitivu where they ended up in the government declared ‘no fire’ February to April. This is a considerable contribution for a relatively zone north of Mullaitivu town. We are in the process of requesting small agency. Because of the rapid and significant aid we have de- their release from the IDP camps so they can continue working with livered so far, stocks have been depleted and budgets exhausted. us, helping those in greater need. Programme management is now seeking additional funds to ensure that we can continue our work and that our capacity to imple- o you see any gaps that need to be filled in terms ment is not sitting idle. I am pleased to work with good people and Dof IDP assistance measures? honoured to participate in the delivery of aid to the less fortunate citizens of Sri Lanka. The biggest gap continues to be in the provision of adequate water

8 Interview with Dr. Palitha Kohona – Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In the final stages of the military conflict between the Sri Lankan Security Forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) there were growing international calls for the protection of thousands of civilians trapped in the tiny not so ‘safe zone’, the two sides blamed each other for the mounting civilian casualties, including women and children. Out of nearly 280,000 displaced civilians who made that perilous journey across the frontlines to government controlled areas, the majority are sheltering in transit IDP (Internally Displaced Person) centres in the Vavuniya district. Whilst the LTTE has been repeatedly condemned for famously holding civilians as human shields, the international community has asked the Sri Lankan government to show its full commitment to uphold international rules and norms as expected of any democratic government. In this interview given to Sulochana Peiris, the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Palitha Kohona responded to a wide spectrum of issues that ranged from the Government’s alleged failure to adhere to international rules and humanitarian principles in its war against the LTTE to the nature of a political settlement to win the long term peace in the country.

(The interview took place in late April before the final phase of the armed conflict ended. )

news. June 2009 9 he Sri Lankan Government has come under opportunity to run away from the LTTE so the number will continue Tcriticism both nationally and internationally for its to grow. What we do is as soon as we receive them in the govern- alleged failure to safe guard the civilians trapped in ment controlled area, they are bussed down, processed, and taken the Vanni. What is your response to such allegations? to transit camps where they spend, maybe, a few days and then they are sent to the welfare villages. The welfare villages are well setup. I must categorically state that the government’s policy is to safe- There is decent accommodation. Better accommodation than any guard the civilians. That’s the priority. Because these are our people other similar camp anywhere else in the world. I know this from my and the government has a responsibility to protect them. There are 10 years of experience with the UN. There are adequate supplies some criticisms. But unfortunately we feel these criticisms simply of food, adequate healthcare, there is even a school for children reflect the propaganda of the LTTE. There is no other government where over 600 children are currently studying. There are postal fa- in the world which has been confronted by a terrorist group of this cilities and we are told that telephone facilities will be installed so nature, a brutal terrorist group and which has taken so much care that outgoing calls can be made. People receive money from their to protect its civilians. What we have launched now is a mission to relatives, even from overseas, through the bank, some people have relieve the civilians from the clutches of the LTTE. It is also a very been receiving money in excess of USD 1000 per month so there is cynical comment to say that the government is not protecting the a lot of money coming in. Of course there maybe others who don’t civilians. To begin with, LTTE herded them and I use that word de- have that sort of assistance. But many people are receiving assis- liberately, into a very small area. Then it placed its big weapons in tance from relatives overseas. A number of NGOs are already oper- the middle of the civilians. As the government troops approached ating in these camps. The UN is present in these camps. So by and the LTTE, they started screaming that the civilians were being hurt. large, the facilities in these camps are good. There haven’t been any The civilians would not be hurt if they were allowed to go. When the complaints about the facilities by the people themselves. Of course civilians tried to leave on many occasions, the LTTE actually used this is not an ideal situation. We would like to see these people re- force to prevent them. They shot at them. A suicide bomber came turned to their villages as soon as possible. At the moment there is a to a check point and blew up a large number of civilians. We know plan to return the people from Mannar within the next few months, from statements made by those who managed to escape that the maybe two to three months. Others might take a little longer. The LTTE is keeping these people forcibly within the confines of that main goal is to clear their villages of landmines and UXO before small area that they control. Mr. Des Browne repeated this himself. they go. It is also a requirement that the UNHCR authorizes their There is a simple solution to all this. If LTTE lets these people go, return to their places of origin. So the UNHCR has to go to these there will be no humanitarian crisis. The world has asked the LTTE places first and certify that these villagers can go back to their own to let the civilians go, the UN, the European Union, the Australian villages. It will be a gradual process. We hope that within the next Foreign Minister and a range of other people have asked the LTTE few months we will be able to return most of these people to their to let these people go. They are simply bleating about civilians be- homes. Hopefully all of them can return within 2009. Because keeping hurt, by their own actions a situation which they created delib- ing them in temporary IDP locations is a costly affair. Its much bet- erately and callously. I think it’s just disingenuous. ter for people to go back to their homes and become economically productive. And the government will welcome that and currently hat about alleged reports about shelling going every effort is being made to restore, the roads, the schools, clinics Winto the safe zone? and the electricity supply so that when the people go back to their homes, they can start living normal lives almost immediately. If you look at the current situation, it’s impossible to shell that area without hurting our own soldiers. The area is so small and if you hat do you have to say to allegations that these shell that area the chances are that shells might hit our own troops, WIDP camps take the form of concentration because they are so close now. So I think it is very cynical to say camps? that shells are being fired by our own troops. I am sure that civilians must be getting hurt because bullets don’t distinguish between ci- We have an UNHCR report issued April which contradicts that per- vilians and hard core terrorists. They hurt whoever happens to be ception. The camps are surrounded by barbed wire. In Sri Lanka in the way. Unfortunately that is a fact. But that is a situation that there isn’t private property that is not surrounded by barbed wire. the LTTE has created. The LTTE manipulated this situation to save its It is cultural. The moment you buy a piece of land, you put a barbed own skin. I think it’s very important to remember that LTTE created wire fence around it. In Europe they put palings. In some places this situation in order to save themselves and now they are blam- they put up walls. In this country either you build a wall or, if you ing the government. Unfortunately some in the international arena are not that rich, you put two strands of barbed wire, that is nor- seem to have picked up this LTTE line. I also should mention that mal. It has nothing to do with concentration camps. Its only people the frontlines are so close and its just not possible to use artillery who invented concentration camps and used them extensively in in that area without hurting our own people. We are fighting man history who seem to be obsessed with this concept. I can categori- to man and in the process we are incurring casualties ourselves. If cally say that these are not concentration camps. Of course there we pulled back and used heavy artillery we could have wiped that are security measures that have to be taken. When we established place out. But because the government has a very strict policy of these camps in the East, there were no fences around them and not harming civilians, we are not doing that. it was the UN that wanted fencing around these camps. Because at the time, supplies that were stored in the camps were looted hat types of assistance efforts have been put in by people in the area. There were paramilitaries who came in and Wplace by the Government in support of those took young boys out. So, in order to prevent that sort of activities civilians who have arrived in the Vavuniya district? in Vavuniya, we started out with barbed wire fences. We know that stability has not yet returned to these areas, and there maybe LTTE Over 188,000 people have already come into government con- cadres in the region, we know for a fact when they retreated they trolled areas that is as of 1st of May. Every day, thousands take every buried huge caches of weapons wherever they withdrew from. We

10 know there are LTTE cadres in these camps. We’ve identified 4000 recognised as valuable partners by the entire population. If they of them. There is a question of security and we need that fence. proactively engage the population, and the media, I think this prob- We also need the fence to ensure that people from the area do not lem can be addressed. Otherwise it will remain a problem. There is a come in and help themselves to items that are within the camps. perception problem and they have to deal with this problem. There is a very well stocked shop in there. But as of this week, I believe that the Ministry for Rehabilitation has taken over the running here is a lot of work that needs to be done in order of these camps, so the camps will be run by civil authorities and the Tto build Sri Lanka’s somewhat damaged global government agent of the area is in charge. The military will provide standing in a post war climate. You as Secretary to the security around the area. Ministry of Foreign Affairs have a very important job to embark in that regard. Have you identified what he Government is supported by UN and other types of measures are required to this end? Thumanitarian agencies in the design and implementation of IDP assistance projects. How I am not unduly disturbed by the allegation that Sri Lanka’s global crucial is their role in terms of provision of assistance image has been damaged. Let me talk about the international com- to displaced civilians? munity rather than the globe which is a different concept. There are 193 countries in the international community, the vast major- The main cost of running these camps is borne by the government. ity of them including, the majority in the Security Council do not Its a substantial amount that the government spends on running consider Sri Lanka to be a country that has to be criticised. We have these camps. That is why we need to return them as soon as pos- very close relations with countries in the region. And they have now sible to their homes. The World Food Programme provides a signifi- stepped in and become the major contributors to our development cant amount of food supplies. The ICRC provides health care needs programme. Countries like India, China, Japan, Korea, Russia and to a certain extent. But the main part of healthcare needs is being Iran, and I don’t think our image in these countries has been dam- supplied by the Ministry of Health. Its important for the UN to be in- aged at all. We continue to enjoy very close and warm relations volved. Because we have always worked closely with the UN and we with these countries. We may have a difficulty farther afield which hope that this close association will continue. Other humanitarian is largely caused by the LTTE propaganda machine. agencies are there too but their contribution is limited, in fact it is a minimum. I hope they will make a more substantive contribution. As a government, we do not have the resources to counteract the What we get at the moment is a lot of gratuitous advice rather than LTTE propaganda machine to the degree that it ought to be. As substantive contributions. you know Jane’s International estimated that LTTE collects USD 100 -300 million a year and a large percentage of this is now devoted he humanitarian community feel that they have simply for propaganda against Sri Lanka. The amount of money we Tbeen unjustifiably targeted by some elements spend on propaganda is miniscule in comparison. We don’t have including the local media that they have supported the resources. We are also a third world country. We have a range the LTTE whereas it is the Tamil people that they have of other issues to deal with. We have to feed our people. We have been helping all along with the full knowledge of to educate our children. We have to provide healthcare for our peo- national and local government representatives. What ple. We have to ensure that infrastructure development continues is your take on such allegations? apace. The LTTE has only a mass goal which is to conduct propaganda against the government of Sri Lanka, procure weapons and I think there is a perception that has to be dealt with. If these hu- conduct terrorism. So the balance is not equal but given that back- manitarian agencies don’t take the trouble to deal with this per- ground, we have taken a series of measures to counter this and to a ception then this attitudinal problem will continue. I have talked large extent we have been successful. We have used our diplomatic to a large number of humanitarian agencies and I have explained missions, media and other contacts overseas to counter the LTTE to them that it is up to them also to step out and deal with this propaganda as much as possible. As you know, some people have problem. Because in my view, the vast majority of the people in this been trying to vilify Sri Lanka in the UN context. So far it has not country feel that humanitarian agencies worked far too closely with been successful. It did not succeed not for lack of trying on the part the LTTE for a long time. And of course certain circumstances may of the LTTE but because we have taken certain carefully calculated have fed into this perception. These agencies worked in the North measures to counter this. Mainly we provide facts and the facts are at a time when the LTTE controlled the Vanni. Their locally recruited certainly on our side we do not rely on innuendo, we don’t rely on staff were by and large LTTE sympathizers or active supporters. We unsubstantiated allegations, we simply place our facts before the know that when these agencies pulled out of the Vanni, many of public and I think many people are reassured by what they hear. them voluntarily stayed behind. And this does contribute to the Then of course we try to engage with the diplomatic community existing negative perception. And there is also a feeling that a sub- in Colombo as much as possible. Again we reassure them that Sri stantial amount of funding was taken up to the Vanni by humani- Lanka is a democracy and is proud of its democratic history and we tarian agencies during 4 or 5 years prior to the termination of the will do everything to maintain our democratic traditions. We also ceasefire. And there is not much to show for those huge amounts are, I believe, reassuring them adequately that our goal is to protect that were spent there while on the other hand we have seen an our own people and our critical objective is to eliminate terrorism endless series of concrete and steel bunkers, endless fortifications, from this land. Given this background, our image, contrary what equipment which used to belong to these agencies has been used some people might feel and might want it to be, has not been dam- by LTTE to construct battle fortifications. So these are issues that aged internationally. It is a constant effort on our part. Nothing has they have to face up to squarely and explain to the public. Simply come to a standstill. We will continue to improve our democratic by complaining to their embassies about difficulties is not going institutions. One of the things that the government did after lib- to solve the problem. Humanitarian agencies must recognise that erating the East was to conduct elections and ensure that people’s they are guests in this country. And it is important for them to be representatives were in charge to govern the Eastern Province and

news. June 2009 11 we will do the same in the North as soon as possible. And of course know, since the mid 80’s successive governments have presented the East recovered democracy after a break of about 25 years. That political packages as solutions to our problems, one included the is what we need to recognise. It is also important to recognise the Indian government. Everyone of them has been rejected by the East cannot be expected to be a perfect democracy, not having LTTE. So by simply imposing a solution from the top, we know that experienced it for over 25 years. It will take time and there will be it will not succeed. That is why every effort has been made to bring shortcomings. Point to the one democracy in the world which is all elements of the Sri Lankan political landscape into this process perfect including in those countries that criticise us, I don’t think and so far it has been reasonably successful. We have now acknowl- there is a perfect democracy anywhere in the world. We are doing edged the need to devolve power to the provinces and it is being our best. We have limited resources. We are a developing country done. The Eastern province, as I said earlier, has got an elected gov- and also we are fighting a brutal terrorist organisation. Against that ernment and they are now enjoying the same degree of power as background I think this country doesn’t fall far below the expected the rest of the provinces. In addition, the government has made a standard for a democracy. firm commitment to provide funding for the provinces to manage their own affairs. So I think this process of empowerment is the first hat kind of a support role is expected from Whumanitarian and development partners in step in finding a political solution. But personally I don’t think this terms of long term socio economic development of country’s problems were offered by political circumstances. There the conflict affected North/East areas? were a combination of circumstances which resulted in the current situation. The most critical of these circumstances was the fact that First and foremost it is important for humanitarian agencies to the LTTE, supported and inspired by certain groups within and out- focus on the areas that they wish to work on be specific about it. side the country, was determined to carve out an area for itself by Simply because they are humanitarian agencies I don’t think they force. And that is why they refused to accept any of the solutions or should have an automatic right to establish an office here. They even talk about any of the solutions that were tabled by previous must know what they are going to do. They must be specific about governments. They entered the negotiating process in 2002 and it and importantly they must have the funding basis to support despite, I think, the sincerity demonstrated by the government of those focus areas. Sri Lanka should not be used as an IDP tourist the day, they walked out of that. In 2005 when the present presi- destination or as a haven in the sun for unemployed NGO workers. dent came to power and offered to go and talk to Prabakaran any- They must have work to do and they must have funding for that. where anytime, he was rebuked with constant attacks. For almost We are aware that the UN is very much focused and that they will six months the LTTE exploded bombs all over the country, killed design ways that are useful for the country. Having said that I per- unarmed soldiers and was bent on destabilising the South and pro- sonally believe there is a valuable role for humanitarian agencies to voking a popular reaction against the Tamil people. These things play and its a critical role in a developing country. They can go and were not undertaken with a view to achieving a political solution attend to areas that are not otherwise covered due to various fac- to this country. These were done deliberately and in a calculated tors, especially due to the lack of resources. And Sri Lanka has not manner in order to bring the country to war so that this delusion of done too badly in these areas. We have extremely good indicators Eelam could be achieved through violence. I don’t think it is reason- in the areas of health, education, sanitation, environment etc. So able to conclude that our problems were caused only by political if an NGO comes here, it should be to enhance those areas rather circumstances. There were a range of circumstances and we need than deal with basics. I have this example of an NGO that wanted to to address them separately. First and foremost the government has come to Sri Lanka with a view to teaching people the importance now firmly dealt with the terrorist question. So terrorism is out of of using boiled water. I think that’s the type of nonsensical misun- the way. There are of course questions of inequality in economic de- derstanding which gives humanitarian agencies a bad image. In velopment, inadequacy of social integration, inequality of opportu- this country, even the poorest villager, knows he must boil his wa- nity etc. These are being addressed. The government has pumped ter before consumption, which is something that is taught to you over one billion USD to rehabilitate and develop the Eastern prov- in school even in Kindergarten. 97% of our children attend school. ince. It will need much more for the North and we hope that the So we don’t need that sort of humanitarian agency in this country. international community as well as the Sri Lankan diaspora will as- We need serious humanitarian agencies who can work to enhance sist in this process. I hope we will get the necessary assistance for what we have rather than pretend to be doing things which we already have achieved and surpassed. this. And then of course as we go along we also should address the question of empowering our own people so that they can manage here is a palpable fear based on the political their own affairs. I do like to emphasise that our current problems Tcircumstances that have characterized the past were not caused by political circumstances alone. They may have 30 years, Sri Lanka will slide back into war. On the contributed. The real problem was caused by a group of brutish assumption that the military aspect of the conflict terrorists who were determined to create a fascist state for them- will soon be over, what kind of political undertakings selves. And the government has now defeated that element effec- have been or will be taken by the government in tively. This is the first time anywhere in the world where a terrorist order to ensure that this time round the root causes group that had actuality controlled territory has been comprehen- of the conflict will be constructively addressed? sively defeated. Now of course we need to address other questions like economic advancement, social integration, and also creating As you know the government started off 3 years ago by saying that confidence amongst our own people. We need to re-establish the it will address the concerns and grievances of our minorities in a po- feeling that Sri Lanka is a good place for everybody and that is the litical manner. Subsequently, the All Party Representative Commit- hope of all of us. There should be no enclaves which are claimed as tee was set up. It is in the process of evolving a political approach to homelands by anybody. The whole country is the homeland for all resolve the problems that are confronting this country. It is recog- our people. nised that all stakeholders must be party to this process. As you

12 ASB/Solidar in Sri Lanka - Looking Forward – by Matthew Todd, ASB Country Director

ASB first came to Sri Lanka in late 2002, with an initial visit to ex- make use of the established ASB infrastructure in order to develop plore possibilities for establishing a programme of activities to sup- programmes. This allows Solidar members to establish activities port IDP resettlement and rehabilitation. At that time, during the without the need for large overhead costs. early days of the ceasefire, there was a great degree of optimism and hope that it would be possible to assist people and communi- However, for this to work, any Solidar member choosing to oper- ties in the important transition from conflict to long-term develop- ate in Sri Lanka under the Solidar umbrella would need to develop ment. a programme that builds on synergies with the existing ASB One Country Programme, and possibly that addresses an area of exper- Now once again Sri Lanka is looking forward with hope to a future tise not currently directly addressed. of greater stability and lasting peace, ASB is again trying to find the best ways in which we can support people who have suffered much It would be foolish to simply replicate programmes and structures trauma and hardship as they try to rebuild their lives and communi- already in place, merely for the sake of operational presence – this is ties. one of the things that attracts justifiable criticism of NGOs. Any Soli- dar member wanting to come into Sri Lanka to carry out activities In October 2008, at a meeting in Brussels at the Solidar Secretariat, already undertaken by ASB will be advised to do so through a co- when NPA first announced its decision to withdraw from Sri Lanka, funding relationship, rather than establishing duplicate structures. ASB reaffirmed its commitment to working in Sri Lanka, and agreed that it was important to continue to maintain and build upon the Where it is appropriate to do so, in particular where there is a fund- linkages already established with other SOLIDAR Network mem- ing relationship with another member of the SOLIDAR Network, or bers in Europe. where expertise or resources are shared, ASB will also maintain the visibility of the Solidar brand. Furthermore, ASB made a commitment to continue to work alongside other SOLIDAR members where appropriate, through a range ASB, currently identifies Sri Lanka as one of its priority countries. of possible interactions, from co-financing to seconding staff and SAH has currently made a commitment to continue in Sri Lanka un- expertise, to shared programming. As such, ASB recognised the til the end of 2009, and it may continue beyond though Sri Lanka is strength brought through working together. As the Solidar motto not amongst its main priority countries. puts it, “Together we are a force for change”. As mentioned above, ASB does not see itself primarily, as an agency So what is the future of the Solidar Consortium? bringing emergency humanitarian relief alone – although that is a very important aspect of our work. Neither are we a long-term The Solidar Consortium came into being in early 2005, in response development agency – as we see, especially in a middle-income to a particular set of circumstances following the tsunami, primarily country such as Sri Lanka, that people, communities and wider as a means to allow members of the SOLIDAR Network to share ex- society has the resources necessary to manage their own devel- pertise and costs in order to enable more effective and efficient de- opment without significant external assistance. Rather, ASB is an livery of humanitarian activities following the tsunami. At the time, agent of transition – a catalyst – allowing people to transform their NPA had a significant programme support infrastructure already in lives from the extreme hardship caused by trauma (be it caused by place, and it made sense for other SOLIDAR Network members to natural catastrophe, as in the tsunami, or human conflict), into a be able to take advantage of this, without wasting resources build- more normal existence. ing parallel structures. As the other SOLIDAR members evolved over the next few years, ASB in particular, has developed its own Clearly, such transition takes time, and it would be unwise to put independent systems in order to support its activities and provide definite time-frames to what is inevitably a complex process. How- leadership to possible future partnership arrangements amongst ever, currently, ASB has plans that extend into 2012, and some SOLIDAR Network members in Sri Lanka. programmes are already identified as part of this overall strategy. Beyond that, much will depend on the pace at which resettlement, The logic of this approach will still apply in the future. Any other rehabilitation and reintegration take place. SOLIDAR Network member planning activities in Sri Lanka, may

news. June 2009 13 THE SOLIDAR CONSORTIUM 2005 - 2009: A REVIEW Written and compiled by Peter Brannen and Meryse Tissera

The Solidar Sri Lanka Consortium was formed in early 2005 by three members of the SOLIDAR Network of INGOs1. Two of these members, ASB and NPA had been working in Sri Lanka from 2002. They were joined by SAH in early 2005. Other members of the SOLIDAR Network have made specific contributions of expertise or funds in the period since then. In April 2009 this original structure of cooperation changed when one of the Consortium’s founding organisations, NPA, left the country. The Solidar Consortium will continue maintaining a comprehensive one country program. This time of change and reorganization however seems a good point to review the scale and nature of the Consortium’s contribution to the people of Sri Lanka in the period since the beginning of 2005.

Within hours of the tsunami striking NPA and ASB were mobilizing their staff for the relief effort. NPA already had several hundred staff in the North involved in de-mining work and these teams were immediately dispatched to help in relief operations and manage welfare centres in both the North and East of the country. The existing organisation was also able to provide transport for food and medi- 1. cal supplies and medical staff from other organisations and to supply clean water to survivors. In the following weeks, and 2. following the arrival of SAH humanitar- ( ian activities also spread to the South to Matara and Galle. 3. (Trincomalee, Batticaloa)

In the months and years that have fol- 4. lowed the Consortium spread its work across the whole of Sri Lanka, engaging in reconstruction and economic and so- 5. cial development where it could, revert- ing to emergency relief and humanitar-

ian work where it needed to, as conflict 6. again flowed across the North. The work and funding of the core members has

been supplemented over time by other 7. Solidar members and by joint working (Batticaloa, Ampara, Matara, with other local and international NGOs Hambantota and Galle)

and with a variety of UN agencies. 8.

(Vavuniya, Mannar, Batticaloa) 1 SOLIDAR is a network of 50 mainly European NGOs who work in 9. the fields of social affairs, international cooperation and life long learning. The Sri Lanka Consortium is one example of the way in which SOLIDAR members engaged in humanitarian aid and development projects work together.

14 In the Southern province the original humanitarian work has were not simply jobs however but quality jobs with contracts, good evolved into solid development projects: training young people in remuneration, training, and employment conditions as well as in- management and computing, helping local authorities to comput- volvement in decisionmaking. er map the provision of social services, running local development projects and restoring both livelihoods and the ecosystem along In addition of course the Consortium has subcontracted much of its the Southern coastal belt. In the Eastern province the Consortium work to local organisations some operating nationally and others has worked with local authorities and other organizations to re- rooted in the local communities they serve. It has had economic build housing and infrastructure, to improve access to nutritional relationships with a plethora of suppliers and contractors and food resources especially for children, to create income generating partnerships with a wide range of public and charitable bodies. work and to reconcile communities and heal the wounds of conflict Through this network of transactions it has also created and sup- and trauma. In the Northern Province whilst it has been possible to ported many thousands of jobs indirectly. help rebuild housing in Mannar, elsewhere reconstruction has had to revert to humanitarian aid though some small economic devel- Linked to this the Consortium has also contributed to the economy opment projects have been possible around Vavuniya. through its own direct expenditure. In 2005 the expenditure of Consortium members in Sri Lanka was €4,614,172.00. By 2008 this Over the period the members of the Consortium have increasingly had grown to € 6,931,962.00 The total expenditure of the Consor- recognized the advantages of joint working both to themselves tium in Sri Lanka from 2005 - 2008 was € 22,960,635.00. In terms of and to others: they have developed a range of different types of both expenditure and direct employment the activity of the Con-

cooperation and evolved a common strategy. The Consortium has sortium in Sri Lanka has been equivalent to that of a large medium also been able to provide a single communication and access chan- size firm. nel for local and central authorities and for partners in the commer- cial, NGO and international communities. The following three sections set out in more detail the activities of the Solidar Sri Lanka Consortium in humanitarian relief, housing The Consortium has also made a not insignificant economic con- and reconstruction and social and economic development over the tribution to the communities in which it works not only in terms period. of the projects it runs and their effects but also in terms of its own organization and expenditure. From a base of 120 staff in 2005 the Consortium had grown to employ 380 people by 2008, ninety three percent of whom were locally recruited; in addition its mine action programme employed a further 650 local staff at its peak. These

news. June 2009 15 EMERGENCY RELIEF AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

he first part of the article below deals with the work of Solidar in the period following the tsunami of December 2004. Unfortunately as humanitarian Taid was being replaced with reconstruction and development assistance the escalation of violence in the North meant that humanitarian assistance was again needed as people driven from their villages and communities migrated away from the conflict areas. The second part of the article deals with this period and the Solidar response in terms of an Integrated IDP programme ( IIDP). Following the withdrawal of international agencies and NGOs from the Vanni at government request in September 2008 the Solidar response had to adjust to another new situation. The final part briefly sets out where we are now.

16 Emergency Activities

yy Casualty evacuation and recovery of bodies yy Supply of protective equipment, decontamination stores water supplies. yy Provision of 15 trucks and other vehicles and water bowsers. yy Transportation of people, medical staff, water, non food materials and food. yy Vehicle and technical support to other organizations eg Oxfam. yy Construction of 260 shelters in 4 camps and associated community and pre school buildings. yy Installation of electricity generators and supply in 38 camps in Vadamarachchi East and Mullaitivu . Post Tsunami yy Mine and UXO clearance in 36 transit camps to facilitate the construction of temporary shelters. Programmes yy Distributed 16,000 suitcases to families in Vadamarachchi East and Mullaitivu. yy Nutritional security through home gardens in the North

PROJECT FACT FILE

Name of Project : Post Tsunami Emergency Relief Assistance

Location : Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Hambantota and Tangalle

Duration : 2005 – 2006

Status : Completed

No of Beneficiaries : 150,000 (approx)

Immediately following the tsunami Solidar teams were working Donor/s : Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ASB Germany, within hours to bring help to devastated communities and families Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH), Swiss Solidarity, Solidarité La- in the North East of the country. Utilizing the platform that was al- ïque, War on Want, La Ligue l’enseignement, Apheda, FOS, Soli- ready in place in the form of established ground presence, person- darite Socialiste, Volkshilfe Progetto Sviluppo/Prosvil nel and physical resources and local knowledge, Solidar members, NPA and ASB began implementing emergency relief activities in Implementing Partner : Directly Impemented the coastal villages of Vadamarachchi East. These activities included transportation of displaced persons to welfare camps, provision of emergency aid including food, clothing and medicines, and debris Following the immediate emergency Solidar’s humanitarian aid clearance in affected areas. spread to other issues and other parts of the country taking different forms depending on need and the overall pattern of interna- In the following weeks and with the arrival of SAH in the country, tional and national assistance being provided. Around the transit the Solidar Consortium expanded its support further in the North camps in the North East experiments started with growing nutri- by conducting a broad range of transitional assistance activities by tional plants and establishing nurseries. Twenty families were se- itself and in cooperation with and support of others. Hundreds of lected and trained to form the backbone of a nursery system which temporary shelters were constructed; and clean water provided would supply seeds and seedlings to the transit camps. Eventually through the rehabilitation of thousands of household wells, Solidar it was intended to transpose the system to the permanent housing was also active in the construction of 4 transit camps (Maruthank- once it was established. erny, Vaththiryan Arasadhi Veethi, Vaththiryan Vaarividan and Th- alaiyadi) including 265 transit houses with supporting facilities Two further different types of interventions are illustrated below. of latrine units of toilets and menstruation cubicles, 4 pre-schools In addition much of the early intervention work and subsequent and 5 community centres. It installed electricity in 38 transit camps beginnings of reconstruction depended on making areas safe from in Vadamarachchi East and Mullaitivu –utilizing 114 generators, unexploded mines and other explosives so this part ends with a 250km of wiring and 8,000 light bulbs. description of the extent of this work undertaken by NPA.

news. June 2009 17 Tsunami Education Project

The Tsunami was an unknown and unheard of phenomenon to TEP presentations were facilitated by local geography graduates many people in Sri Lanka until the giant waves struck their coastal from the Jaffna University and were shown in schools and tran- backyards leaving chaos and mayhem in its wake. In order to mini- sit camps over the course of 2005 and 2006. With funding support mize misinformation and fear and to raise local knowledge of the from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, TEP was able to science behind tsunamis, Solidar together with the British Geologi- reach nearly 300,000 people in Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts. cal Survey (BGS), launched the Tsunami Education Project (TEP) in May 2005. The challenge was to create an educational tool for affected communities and schools in Sri Lanka that would engage a PROJECT FACT FILE wide audience; from children to adults, from the educated to the uneducated. Name of Project : Tsunami Education Project

A three-dimensional interactive presentation in Tamil was created Location : Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu to educate children and adults alike in order help catalyse the transition from fear to understanding. The presentation was composed Duration : 2005-2006 of concise information on the Earth’s systems and geological struc- Status : Completed tures including, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, and natural conditions that create tsunamis and wave movements. Informa- No of Beneficiaries : 100,000 tion was carefully combined into simple and easy to understand forms to explain the earth science behind a tsunami. The underly- Donor/s : Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs ing message was intended to provide reassurance that a tsunami is a rare event and with monitoring systems in place, a human di- Implementing Partner/s : Zonal Director of Education, British saster on the scale of December 2004 should never happen again. Geological Survey.

18 Well Cleaning in the South

The tsunami of December 2004 severely affected wells along the A letter sent by R.W. Bandara, Public Health Inspector, Southern coastline by dumping millions of gallons of salt water into 28th March 2005 the wells. Salinization of drinking water wells affected large areas of Regional Training Center, Fort – Galle the Southern coastal belt and rendered more than 15,000 wells un- usable, greatly reducing water supplies (MENR-Brown report 2005). Dear Mr. Mueen Idroos Infrastructure damage to pipe borne water by the wave magnified the need for a locally based water supply source. The main pipe line was affected and local supply disrupted from Kalutara to Hamban- This is in regard to your sponsorship for well cleaning, I tota districts affecting over 100 GN divisions. hereby express my greatest appreciation for the great service being done by you and your group. I would like to The Solidar well cleaning project was implemented in three South- say no one has put forward such a great service for Tsu- ern tsunami affected districts; Galle, Matara and Hambantota by nami affected families, but you have understood the Rainforest Rescue International (RRI) and Solidar. RRI/Solidar re- real situation and have taken action to help the people cruited and trained 30 people who were victims of the tsunami in who were affected by tsunami by providing them with well cleaning, data gathering and salinity monitoring and set up clean water. I really appreciate your honest effort. - seven independently functioning well cleaning teams consisting of Well done - Thank you. 4 laborers. These teams cleaned and pumped out a total of 8530 wells, assisting nearly 50,000 individuals who were dependent on well water. Some 105 Grama Sewaka (GS) divisions and their com- R.W. Bandara – Public Health Inspector. munities were provided with well cleaning support.

The nature of the project made it the geographically largest common pool resource restoration project running on the tsunami af- PROJECT FACT FILE fected Southern coast of Sri Lanka. The project was acclaimed at government, local government and community level as a success- Name of Project: Well Cleaning ful and important project. The overall effectiveness of the project can be seen from the 73% success rate in reducing total salinity to Location : Galle, Matara and Hambantota levels below the sphere standard and the numbers of people using this restored natural resource base. Duration : 2005 – 2006

Status : Completed

Donor : Swiss Solidarity

No of Beneficiaries : 50,000

Implementing Partner : Rain Forest Rescue International: with the assistance of Grama Sevaka.

news. June 2009 19 Clearing Mines

NPA established its Mine Action (MA) Programme in Sri Lanka in 2002 following the Ceasefire Agreement. The objective of the MA PROJECT FACT FILE Programme was to support the Government of Sri Lanka in reach- ing its target of a landmine risk-free country by the end of 2006. Name of Project : Mine Action Programme

The NPA Mine Action Programme, operated and reported under Location : Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar the strict guidance of the National Steering Committee for Mine Action (NSCMA) under the Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Duration : 2002 - 2007 Infrastructure Development. NPA supported the removal and destruction of more than 30,000 anti-personnel mines, 9500 unex- Status : Closed ploded ordnance and clearance of 18 million square meters of land. All clearance activities were conducted to International Mine Ac- No of Beneficiaries : 100,000 tion Standards (IMAS). Donor/s : Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minefields along the coast in the Vanni had already been cleared by NPA/HDU prior to the tsunami. Following the tsunami NPA’s demin- Implementing Partner/s - National Steering Committee ers initially removed and destroyed over 50 items of unexploded for Mine Action: Humanitarian Demining Unit, Milinda Mora- ordinance in 38 transit sites in the districts of Jaffna and Mullaitivu goda Institute for People’s Empowerment, Horizon, Sarvatra, Sri prior to the relocation of tsunami survivors. Lanka Army Humanitarian Demining Unit

Subsequently NPA/HDU Battle Action Clearnace (BAC) teams supported by flail machines conducted a UXO clearance operation in permanent settlement construction areas. The first priority was the Solidar construction sites in the village clusters of Chempianpattu North, Vathirayan and Udathurai where a total of 1125 houses were to be constructed. Additionally, NPA supported BAC teams also conducted similar clearance operations throughout the coastal region of the Vanni facilitating construction activities for other organizations including: Hudec/Caritas, UNICEF, Care, Save the Chil- dren, UNICEF, World Vision, Forut, Sri Lanka Red Cross, Tamil Reha- bilitation Organisation, Sewa Lanka , and Humedica.

20 Provision of Shelter and Humanitarian Assistance Post 2006

The year 2006 saw a profound change in the intervention environment for the Solidar Consortium in Sri Lanka as a result of the breakdown of the peace process, an escalation of violence and a return to an emergency situation in large parts of the North/East. Following interventions by individual Consortium members in 2006 the Consortium reshaped its programme in the North into an Integrated IDP programme (IIDP) in 2007 in order to maximize the impact of its humanitarian assistance. The IIDP consisted of 9 projects; shelter construction, nutritional security and income support, Non-Food Relief Item (NFRI) distribution, shelter coordination, latrine construction, the Hygiene Information Project, UNHCR partnered Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), the Solidar Technical Team, and logistical support to the WFP.

news. June 2009 21 Emergency Shelter Construction and Population Support

In the aftermath of mass displacements that took place in August possible the modalities of construction of emergency shelters were 2006 Solidar completed the construction of some 667 shelters designed to also bring income for beneficiaries who contributed in the Kilinochchi district and 250 shelters in the Mannar district. to the erection of the shelters. In addition, operating on a cash for Throughout 2007 Solidar constructed more than 500 shelters work basis Solidar supported 70 women from IDP families in the through implementing partners Working Women’s Development production of cadjan used for the roofing and wall enclosures of Forum (WWDF) and Social Development Center (SDC) in the Mul- the shelter. laitivu, Kilinochchi and Mannar districts. With an additional 200 ‘A ‘frame shelters being completed in the Mullaitivu district. In 2008 PROJECT FACT FILE a further 350 shelters were completed in the Kilinochchi and Mul- laitvu districts; with 100 ‘A’ frame shelters completed in the Kilino- Name of Project : Integrated IDP Programme chchi district. Additionally, Solidar supported the construction of 10 hospital wards in the Kilinochchi district and its technical teams Location : Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya maintained generators and other equipment vital to medical and community services. Duration : 2006-2009

In addition, in order to identify need for other types of physical sup- Status : On going port Solidar conducted IDP surveys in the Vanni and distributed such items on behalf of and in conjunction with other partners (in- No of beneficiaries : IDP population cluding UNICEF, UNHCR, FORUT, DRC and Save the Children). NFRI packs include mosquito nets, tarpaulins, mugs, mats, bed sheets, Donors : UNHCR, USAID, UMCOR, ECHO, German Ministry of towels, toothbrushes, soap, cooking pots, plates etc. So far Solidar Foreign Affairs, Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH), Swiss Develop- ment Corporation (SDC), Progetto Sviluppo , Japan ODA, Nor- has distributed nearly 2000 NFRI packs to IDPs in the districts of wegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Organisation for Mannar, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi. Migration (IOM) and Swiss Solidarity.

Solidar also set up a nutritional security project of home gardens Implementing Partners : Working Women’s Development to support the nutritional requirements of both host families and Forum (WWDF), Social Development Centre (SDC), The Eco- IDPs. The project utilized existing plant stocks from a Solidar sup- nomic Consultancy House (TECH), Rural Economic Education Research Development Organization (REERDO), Karachchi North ported nursery and targeted over 500 families. In addition cash Development Organization (KNDO) grants were issued to 500 of the most vulnerable IDPs. Wherever

22 Shelter Coordination Cell (SCC)

In the aftermath of renewed conflict in 2006 and with increasing numbers of displaced civilians arriving in government controlled PROJECT FACT FILE areas in Vavuniya and Jaffna districts, the need for a coordinated and effective response to their shelter needs became an- over Name of Project: Shelter Coordination Cell whelming priority. This led to a plan of action to streamline the coordination process through setting up a Shelter Coordination Cell Location : Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Mannar, (SCC). The SCC would also identify needs and gaps in emergency Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Puttalam shelter interventions as well as ensuring equity of assistance and the implementation of international and national norms and standards. The Shelter Coordination Cell was created as an operational Duration : 2006 – 2009 partnership between NRC (Norwegian Refugee Council), UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) and Solidar with fund- Status : Ongoing (Solidar Phased out its role in the project in ing support from UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Jan 09) Refugees) until December 2008. No of beneficiaries : IDP population in these districts Solidar’s SCC team consisted of a Northern Coordinator, a Field Co- ordinator for Kilinochchi/Mullaitivu and another Field Coordinator Donors : UNHCR for Vavuniya/Mannar districts. Solidar Northern Shelter Coordina- tor also oversaw the Jaffna district where field level coordination Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) was undertaken by UNHCR. Solidar SCC assisted shelter agencies Implementing Partners : and UNOPS, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in identifying needs / gaps and possible overlaps in the provision of emergency shelter and in building consensus among them by facilitating technical and policy level discussions through contingency plan for possible population displacements within or outside the districts, with the support of other agencies in the identification and assessment of emergency contingency sites.

Whilst the SCC work continues Solidar had to reluctantly leave the partnership when NPA which was leading all SCC activities decided to withdraw from Sri Lanka. In consultation with UNHCR Solidar’s role in this project came to an end in January 2009.

news. June 2009 23 Latrine Construction and Hygiene Information

Solidar with UNICEF funding has constructed more than 900 la- health and hygiene needs. Individuals were requested to volunteer trines through implementing partners Centre for Health and Care to become camp leaders in maintaining a clean and healthy camp (CHC), Karachchi North Development Organization (KNDO) and environment. North East Development and Rehabilitation Organization (NEDRO) in order to reduce the health risks to IDPs, especially children in IDP concentrations in and around the Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Man- nar districts. PROJECT FACT FILE The Hygiene Information Project (HIP) in Vavuniya and Mannar districts aimed to improve hygiene among displaced populations Name of Project : Hygiene Information Project and their host communities. Within the challenging and restrictive environment of IDP welfare centres common hygienic practices are Location : Vavuniya and Mannar often not observed. The HIP aimed to explain the link between specific hygiene behaviours and associated illnesses. Four HIP cartoon characters were developed to share relevant hygiene messages Duration : 2008-2009 such as the importance of using a latrine, washing hands after using a latrine and before eating, collection of clean water and proper Status : Ongoing rubbish disposal. No of Beneficiaries : 19,869 A dedicated team of Solidar staff made HIP presentations in schools and welfare centres of Vavuniya and Mannar districts. The presenta- Donor/s : UMCOR/USAID, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign tions were backed up with a series of community mobilization activ- Affairs, Aktion Deutschland Hilft, UNICEF ities to reinforce and build upon the information sessions: these included drama programmes, art activities, and games. In addition in close coordination with district health staff who strongly supported Implementing Partner/s : Directly Implemented the project, Solidar developed a Camp Hygiene Management Train- ing Workshop (CHMT) targeting the displaced population living in Mannar Welfare Centres. This workshop was specifically designed to develop a responsible group within the community to highlight

24 Quick Impact Projects - QIPS

Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) provide conflict-affected communities with immediate assistance while building confidence for return and relocation by implementing community driven, short-term and low-budget projects. QIPs are a part of UNHCR’s confidence-building and stabilization measures (CBSM), which aim to stabilize the IDP population and build trust between communities.

The maximum budget for a QIP is USD 30,000 and the project contributes should be implemented within 3 months. Approval of each project also is dependent upon its ability to provide opportunity for community contributions and participation. Additionally QIPs should contribute to strengthening of inter- communal harmony and reducing tension while giving special consideration to vulnerable groups.

Over the past 3 years or so, UNHCR and Solidar have facilitated 10 rounds of QIPs approvals for a total of 231 projects, worth over USD 2,290,000. In the process, QIPs have worked with over 100 local implementing partners. Several other SOLIDAR Network donors have contributed directly to the QIPs programme, including: Solidarité Laïque, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, War on Want, Progetto Sviluppo/Prosvil and Norwegian Peoples Aid.

The types of QIPS yy Rehabilitation of livelihoods & income generation activities yy Strengthening community capacities and educational support yy Protection of beneficiary rights and physical security yy Construction or repair of general infrastructure yy Construction of water and sanitation facilities yy Other projects that contribute to CBSM and QIPs objectives

PROJECT FACT FILE

Name of Project : Quick Impact Projects

Location : Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Mannar, Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee,Puttalam and Anuradhapura

Duration : 2006 – 2009

Status : Ongoing

No of Beneficiaries : 1,658,676

Donor/s : UNHCR, Solidarité Laïque, Swiss Agency for Develop- ment and Cooperation, War on Want, Progetto Sviluppo/Prosvil and Norwegian People’s Aid

Implementing Partner/s : Over 100

news. June 2009 25 Post September 2008

Following Solidar’s relocation outside the Vanni at Government request in late 2008, 27 Solidar supported Humanitarian Aid Volunteers remained working under the GAs of Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi in agreement with the GoSL.

Since October 2008 Solidar supported activities under the GA in The livelihoods Solidar SAH led programme has also relocated from Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu include the construction of 420 shel- the North and has adapted its programmes to the new situation ters; 50 latrines; distribution of 105,000 litres of water; distribution in Vavuniya and also Mannar. Small income generating projects of 1000 NFRI’s, provision of 5000 hygiene kits and provision of 463 have been developed for 120 mostly vulnerable women and their tarpaulins. During the months of December 2008 and January 2009 families. 350 vunerable families are also being given cash grants to Solidar trucks were utilized in the WFP convoy transporting food start up or maintain activities that will bring them income. Organic items such as rice, dhal, oil and sugar to IDP locations in Puthhukud- home gardens are also being developed with the help of two lo- dirippu, Vavuniya and Mannar. cal NGOs, Federation of Social Development Organisation (FOSDO) and Rural Development Foundation (RDF) to support the nutrition- In Vavuniya, the Solidar Consortium’s team has been working round al needs of 250 families. the clock to ensure that Solidar’s IDP support activities are implemented with minimal delay. So far, Solidar has constructed 1156 emergency shelters, 1000 tents, 276 emergency toilets. Addition- ally Solidar has distributed 1879 NFRI packs, 9372 hygiene kits, 5557 pairs of slippers, 367 toilet cleaning kits, 120 rubbish bins, 6911 hygiene posters, 12,580 litres of bottled water to the IDPs at the hospital and 10,440 litres to IDPs at zone 2. Operating two bowsers with a combined capacity of approximately 30,000 litres Solidar has supplied 1,710,200 litres of drinking water to the IDPs. Solidar also provides logistical support to other agencies with a Backhoe- Loader for their operations at IDP sites and has assisted UNICEF with the installation of 24 water tanks in zone 2 and with the distribution of 1552 hygiene packs. As an active member of the hygiene promotion working group, Solidar implements a comprehensive hygiene promotion programme and facilitated the training of 24 volunteers to promote hygiene activities in the IDP sites. The Soli- dar Consortium’s QIPs programme, is currently running 3 construction programmes for schools, providing pre-school furniture, play equipment to 10 schools in Vavuniya and conducting monitoring / follow up activities on another 12 projects, in Vavuniya and Mannar.

26 HOUSING / RECONSTRUCTION

It is central to Solidar strategy that as soon as possible after a physical or human generated disaster, even when emergency relief measures are still in place reconstruction and a move back to normalcy should begin. So in the tsunami devastated North East of Sri Lanka, at the location of its first emergency relief intervention, within a year Solidar had begun a major reconstruction project.

news. June 2009 27 Vadamarachchi East

The project was designed to reconstruct and rehabilitate six tsunami affected villages in Vadamarachchi East in a way that was sustainable in physical, social and economic terms. It included the construction of 1125 permanent houses in the villages accompanied by pre-schools, community centres, children’s parks, health centres, individual and public wells, market places other common facilities and access roads. All through the design and planning stages community members’ were involved: special attention was paid to the participation of women in the process through the creation of women’s groups.

Nageshwaran Jesima and Ramanadan Nageshwaran Nikalaipillai Emanuel – Chempianpattu

Nageshwaran Jesima and Ramanadan Nageshwaran have had little “It was a long process. If it was a short process, people would to celebrate since the day tsunami snatched their four-year-old son have rushed to make decisions. Since there was a long se- away. They faced a double tragedy when the killer wave reduced lection process through VDF (Village Development Forum) their house to rubble as it had done to many other families in their meetings etc, people had ample time to decide for them- village. Except a small kitchen and the lack of space in the front garden, the Nageshwaran family has no complaints about the new selves and reflect upon their decisions. We are not unhappy house they will own in the near future that it has been a year and we are still in transit shelters. We have seen the model houses. All construction materials are “ House model is ok. Kitchen is a bit small. But I am happy there. So we are confident that our houses will be built soon. that we were able to select one house of the choice of three. We are going to help build our houses. We are prepared to The house is beyond our expectations. The orientation of the chip in” house on the plot is decided by us. We have the opportunity to get the astrologer to guide us with that process” (Interview extracted from Solidar Magazine - April 2006) says Nageshwaran Jesima Prior to the commencement of construction, Solidar Consortium member NPA cleared mines and other dangerous ordnances in and (Interview extracted from Solidar Magazine - April 2006) around the sites.

28 However in August 2006 conflict again broke out in the area and Floor Plan when shells began to fall on the site all activities had to be suspended. As the conflict continued and the population was forced to migrate to new camps inland it became clear that the project could not be restarted and would have to be abandoned. A large S4 reconstruction and development project of approximately USD 18 10,100 5,000 1,600 5,000 1,600 6,800

Children play area HC wc WC HC wc 4.8 m2 3.3 m2 4.7 m2

21.2 m2 MN was closed prematurely. At the time of closure 632 houses were 21.2 m2 Wash room 14.3 m2 S3 6,800 S3

Store room at foundation /preparation level, 136 had walls, 75 were roofed and Veranda 6.4 m2 S2 1,800 S2 21.4 m2 Kitchen 5.5 m2 39 were at the finishing stage, and 11 fully completed. In addition

Hall Store room Stage 61.3 m2 25.6 m2 7,800 S1 Activity hall/auditorium 35km of onsite and access roads were completed and community 9,200 114.8 m2 S1 building designs and layout plans approved. Solidar moved back to

Ramp Entrance/ Portico providing emergency and humanitarian relief in the North. Entry 51.4 m2 Entry

13,300 4,200 4,300 PROJECT FACT FILE S4

Name of Project : Post Tsunami Reconstruction and Socio- Economic Development Programme

Location : Jaffna (Vadamarachchi East)

Duration : 2005-2007

Status : Closed (Force Majeure)

No of Beneficiaries : 5000

Donor/s : Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Swiss Solidarity, Progetto Sviluppo, Aktion Deutschland Hilft, ASB

Implementing Partner/s : UNOPS, Local Government

news. June 2009 29 Tsunami Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Project: Ampara

Whilst the programme of work at Vadamarachchi East was initially in progress and commitments by other INGOs and international put on hold by the end of 2006 it was clear that it could not be organisations, it became apparent that there was a large unfulfilled continued in the foreseeable future. The population had dispersed housing and infrastructure development need in the district of and heavy building equipment and materials had to be removed. Ampara. The core project set up by NPA/ Solidar focused on 640 Solidar was reluctant however to leave funds allocated to Vadama- families that were recipients of government base grants of LKR rachchi East unused so work began to transfer reconstruction funds 250,000 (approx. USD 2500) but lacked further funds to complete to the East. By this time however there was already a large amount their houses. NPA/Solidar initially constructed 475 houses at a cost of reconstruction work underway: Solidar decided to compliment of LKR 190 MN (approx. USD 1,900,000) through its implementing this, fill in gaps and help to complete unfinished projects with a partner UNHABITAT. Following this, a further 165 houses were sup- particular focus on Ampara. ported directly by NPA/Solidar in the last quarter of 2008 at a cost of LKR 67,575,000 MN (approx. USD 675,750). Following consultations with donors and partners and after inves- tigating and scrutinizing information and data collected on work

Ampara Housing construction PROJECT FACT FILE DS Number of Number of Number of hous- division Houses houses con- es constructed Name of Project : NPA Tsunami Reconstruction and constructed structed in directly by NPA/ Rehabilitation Project partnership Solidar with Location : Ampara UNHABITAT

Duration : 2007-2008 Addalaichenai 40 40 0

Status : Complete Ninthavur 239 129 110

No of Beneficiaries : 640 Pottuvil 245 215 30

Donor/s : Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thirukkovil 116 91 25

Implementing Partner/s : UNOPS: Direct Total Summary 640 475 165

30 In addition, NPA/Solidar set up a parallel infrastructure project to beneficiaries from Sangamam Girama, Pottuvil DS division with so- complement the housing reconstruction project. This project di- lar panels and complete electrical fittings and installations to cater rectly and indirectly benefitted more than 3500 tsunami affected for 5 lamps per household. people and an equal number of conflict affected families. On priority recommendations by the Community Development Council Linked to the reconstruction work a smaller programme of income and with guidance from UNHABITAT infrastructure facilities valued generation activities was undertaken in Pottuvil, Addalachenai and at LKR 15,925,504.64 ( approx. USD 159,255) were constructed in Thirukkovil DS divisions complementing funding from ILO and four DS Divisions in the Ampara district. Housing construction in UNICEF. Additional livelihood support was given through micro the Kakappukaddu village in the Pottuvil DS division was compli- credit loans to 25 people in the Ninthavur division. Further eco- mented by the provision of sanitary facilities for 392 beneficiaries nomic support was also provided by SAH/Solidar with NPA/Solidar who lacked adequate toilet facilities. In addition around 13 tube funds in the Pottuvil and Thirukkovil DS divisions. This included the wells were constructed in partnership with Adventist Development augmentation of a government stud centre in Thirukkovil and the and Relief Agency (ADRA) for communities in Pottuvil and Thiruk- funding of 2 integrated farms in Pottuvil DS division. Livelihood kovil DS divisions. support for 95 tsunami survivors, 36 in Thirukkovil DS division and 59 in Pottuvil DS division was also provided through a cash grant of NPA/Solidar together with the Solidar QIPs team also provided 31 LKR 35,000 (approx. USD 350) each.

Economic Development

Livelihood Activity DS Division

Animal Husbandry POTTUVIL

Farming of Red Onions POTTUVIL

Fruit Juice Production THIRUKKOVIL

Farming of Red Onions THIRUKKOVIL

Yogurt Production ADDALAICHENAI

Microcredit facility NINTHAVUR

news. June 2009 31 ASB Community Rehabilitation and Empowerment Project (CREP)

As a consequence of the protracted conflict in Sri Lanka many people who had to flee their homes found that they were destroyed in PROJECT FACT FILE their absence and had nothing to return to. Solidar member ASB initially implemented the Community Rehabilitation and Empow- erment Project (CREP) in Vavuniya and Mannar districts in Janu- Name of Project : ASB Community Rehabilitation and ary 2006. The project in support of refugees returning from India, Empowerment Project (CREP) internally-displaced Muslims who were expelled from the Northern Province in 1990 and also persons who were relocating from other Location : Vavuniya, Mannar and Batticaloa areas, completed 67 houses with toilets in Mannar and 11 in Vavu- nyia districts. Duration : 2006- 2009 CREP followed an owner driven housing model supplying participants with materials and making the relevant technical expertise Status : Ongoing available for them to build their own home. In the beginning, project participants were organized into a committee that solicited No of Beneficiaries : 169 families in Vavuniya and Mannar and quotations from suppliers and managed construction finances. 150 families in Batticaloa Following this, participants built their own homes through digging the foundation, casting bricks, assisting masons with cement production for brick laying, and lying of roof tiles. The project used one Donor/s : Hamburg Hilft/ Aktion Deutschland Hilft standard housing design; participants added their own personal touches in door and window selection as well as interior and ex- Implementing Partner/s : UNOPS terior painting. Each home is 517 sq. ft and included one large living space, two smaller bedrooms, and a kitchen. In total the project provided returning IDPs and refugees with 114 permanent houses and some 169 latrines. An additional activity of the project was a food security component that provided participants with veg- “Throughout my lifetime I will be grateful to ASB for provid- etable seeds and fruit tree seedlings as well as training in seed col- ing me with a permanent dwelling. I used to live with my wife lection, storage and organic composting for the establishment of and out two year old baby at my mother in laws house. We home gardens. had a temporary cadjan hut adjoining their house. My fam- Following the success of the CREP in Northern Sri Lanka ASB imple- ily and I suffered a lot without having a permanent house mented another housing housing project in the Batticaloa district to live. Especially on rainy days it was very difficult in that in 2008. The project supported 150 IDP families in the village of Pu- hut.” chchakerny, Vaharai DS and other former conflict affected areas to construct new homes. In Vaharai 90 families were provided with houses constructed with the help of UNOPS. The remaining houses (Interview extracted from Solidar Magazine - May 2007) were owner driven using the same model as used in the North. The projects in the East were undertaken with conflict affected but settled communities so that no additional livelihood or nutritional elements were added.

32 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Solidar tries to build social and economic development into all of its assistance programmes even those dealing with emergency and humanitarian relief. So the programmes on hygiene and those on tsunami education could as well have been dealt within this article as in the earlier one on Humanitarian relief. The same would hold true for example of the gender dimension of involvement in decision making in the aborted project to reconstruct Vadamarachchi East. Likewise the projects on nutritional security, whilst starting in the aftermath of disaster, in the South at least have mutated into development programmes with an economic and environmental aim.

It is of course the case that social and economic development programmes largely take place after emergencies and when stability allows these programmes a reasonable chance of success. We have seen how the seed of such programmes in the North were destroyed in the resurgence of conflict in the North though we give a further example below. Conflict also delayed the start of such programmes in the East. The South and West where post tsunami there has been most stability, though it has not been untouched by the conflict, has seen the most progress. The programme on peace and justice, whilst it has been hampered by the onset of conflict, is in general an exception to this.

news. June 2009 33 ASB Health and Disabilities Programme

Solidar member ASB is committed to supporting programmes that providing support to their families and the communities they lived offer trauma healing and reconciliation for conflict and tsunami- in. Had it been completed, the centre would have allowed KAROD affected children as well as providing support for programmes to more effectively respond to the localized needs of the disabled that work with disabled people. Disabled people need skills and and handicapped and their families. development programmes that are adapted to overcome the nature of their disabilities. The KAROD project in the North focused Unfortunately the project, including work on the centre had to be on both rehabilitation of the disabled through outreach services suspended in August 2006 after the escalation of conflict in the and awareness as well as inclusion programmes with families and Vanni and was subsequently closed. communities that had members with disabilities. The Prithipura In- fants Home in Hendala provides care for children and young adults The Prithipura Infants Home in Hendala with severe mental and physical disabilities. This Home also represents a refuge for those children whose level of disability is not so The Prithipura Communities is a Sri Lankan charity with four cen- acute but who have been abandoned by their parents. The Butterfly tres in various districts of Sri Lanka that cater to a range of people Peace Garden (BPG) in Batticaloa and the Kalabala Bindu Garden in of different levels of disability and provide a challenging and stimu- Hambantota offer a sanctuary for traumatized children to engage lating environment to those in care where they can contribute to in play, cultivation of the arts and exploring their own creativity. society. The organization is solely reliant on donors and on farming In addition to these projects ASB also supports counseling services activities, expecting no payment from those who use its services or at the National Cancer Hospital, Maharagama, with equipment and their families. training. ASB/Solidar supports the Prithipura Infant Home in Hendala, the first of the four centres and home to young children and adults KAROD (Kilinochchi Association for Rehabilitation of the Disabled) with severe mental and physical, disabilities, usually caused by Ce-

rebral Palsy. The home also represents a refuge for those children The ‘KAROD Project’, named after its principle local partner and whose level of disability is not so acute but who have been aban- benefactor, the Kilinochchi Association for Rehabilitation of the doned by their parents. Disabled, aimed to provide better services to physically disabled When the home opened in 1963 there were only three huts with people in conflict and tsunami-affected areas. The project which cemented floors, wooden walls and cadjan roofs. Today Prithipura was located in Kilinochchi district, focused on strengthening and Infants Home at its Hendala complex houses around 85 residents in providing institutional support for KAROD in order to improve its five main buildings or “Homes”. The children and young adults are ability to provide effective services provision in the area of psycho- roughly grouped according to their ages, skills and levels of inter- social assistance, and medical and orthopaedic assistance; it also action. Basic care, therapy and rehabilitation are provided to these aimed to provide livelihood and economic recovery and support children by care assistants and volunteers. The home also provides activities to their clients including the provision of technical assis- physiotherapy and occupational therapy. tance activities – such as training and technology transfer. Geethani, a resident of the Prithipura Home in Hendala, The project was also providing a Trauma Counselling and Phys- comes from a family which is genetically disposed to brittle iotherapy Rehabilitation Centre in Kilinochchi. The centre was to bone syndrome. Her family had already lost both her broth- serve the needs of differently-abled and disadvantaged people ers as a result of this and her family realised that they would including those physically or psychologically disabled at birth, not be able to give her the care that she required. through sickness or accident, by the war or the tsunami as well as

34 She arrived at the Prithipura Infants Home when she was only two years old. She is now one of the brightest lights there. Although her mobility is heavily restricted as a result of her disabilities she exudes personality and love. She has learnt English from the many volunteers and visitors that have passed through Prithipura and when there is someone new steals the show.

(Interview extracted from Prithipura website www.prithipura.org)

Kalabala Bindu Peace Garden

This is a Children’s psychosocial initiative based on the highly successful Butterfly Peace Garden. It was developed, following a sug- gestion from ASB Hambantota staff, by Paul Hogan the originator of the Batticaloa garden.

The Kalabala Bindu Garden opened its gates in August 2006 and now provides help to 500 Sinhalese, Muslim and a few Tamil children. The children, who are divided into four groups, visit the garden alternatively four times a week. Each group goes through a nine month healing programme which has been designed to overcome the horrors they experienced and witnessed the day the tsunami struck.

“One of the boys who came here saw his mother and sister going in the wave. He survived the wave after getting stuck in a tree. He has a cut that reminds him of this scene. Then his father remarried. Ever since, he is living with his grand- mother. In the beginning he would sit on our lap and showed reluctance to be on his own. With time he has gained confidence to do things on his own.” The Butterfly Peace Garden Irosha, Youth Animator, KBG Hambantota The Butterfly Garden is located in the Batticaloa district of Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. It is a support service of the Batticaloa (Interview extracted from Solidar Newsletter Dec 2007) Professional Psychological Counseling Centre and is located at The Garden Path Centre, Pilliyaradi, which also houses an education and training centre, a youth micro-enterprise centre and a retreat PROJECT FACT FILE centre. Name of Project : Health and Disabilities Project The garden provides a setting in which play, the practice of gardening, the care of animals and the cultivation of the arts are combined Locations : Kilinochchi, Batticaloa, Hambantota, Hendala and to help heal the traumas of the tsunami and conflict. It helps both Maharagama the children and adults mend and re-connect their inner and outer world and provides both an opportunity and a sanctuary for the practice of peace and reconciliation. Duration : 2006 – 2009

Children from the various ethnic and religious groups are repre- Status : Ongoing sented proportionally with equal numbers of boys and girls, between the ages of 6 to 16. 150 Children are chosen form through- No of Beneficiaries : 900 beneficiaries at the Prithipura Com- out the Batticaloa area to attend the garden one day per week for munities, 500 children at the Kalabala Bindu Garden, children a period of 9 months. A satellite programme is also operating in in the district of Batticaloa at the Butterfly Peace Garden and one of the refugee camps. Animators are chosen for their ability patients at the National Cancer Hospital Maharagama to work harmoniously with people, for the commitment to peace and for their gifts with the arts. They are encouraged to enter fully Donor/s : ASB Germany, Aktion Deutschland Hilft, City of Koln the creative process of the garden and trained to follow rather then FOS lead the child’s imagination, creating space for them to experience freedom and healing. Implementing Partners : National Cancer Hospital Maha- ragama, The Prithipura Communities, Batticaloa Professional Psychological Counseling Centre

news. June 2009 35 Peace and Justice Programme

The Peace & Justice Programme (PJP), started in Batticaloa district prompt reform of administrative practices based on case histories in late 2005, opening its first office in the district in early 2006. In of the project. January 2009 PJP started working in Ampara district and by July This work is now taking place in Batticaloa and is expanding to Am- 2009 the programme will be operating in the Galle, Hambantota, para district in 2009. Matara and Trincomalee districts as well. This ASB programme is largely funded through the European Commission. It has three “Always we think “I know best” and don’t think about why main elements: others do things I have learnt that when we start by judging ourselves as correct it means all others are wrong. If we can Applied Peace Building Course. The Applied Peace Building change this way of thinking we can change violence. When Course (APBC), a joint peace-building programme between ASB and a local NGO, Peace and Community Action (PCA), is for com- I see something not favourable to me, I will get angry, then munity workers and examines issues of violence and non-violence, I will get violent. I think that other person does not have a conflict, peace and peace work, at personal and community levels. heart. We should analyse our own things. So I am happy I The course provides a set of techniques or methodologies, or a have discovered this. I am going to take this to the place I am standard approach, seeking to deconstruct the very way issues are going to work. ” considered, transforming conceptual boundaries and allowing for a whole new way of ‘doing peace’. The aim is that on leaving the Participant of the APBC workshop community workers are able to immediately start working for peaceful change in the community. (Interview extracted from Solidar Newsletter September 2006)

Community Peace Work. This project works to help communities where there has been violence, or there could be violence, to produce their own solutions for stopping violence and contributing to PROJECT FACT FILE peace. Community Peace Plans encourage people to develop a vision of what peace would look like in their area, develop a strategy Name of Project : Peace and Social Justice to reach that vision and then implement that strategy. ASB’s role is to facilitate the development of such plans and then provide the encouragement and expertise in bringing these plans to fruition. Location : Batticaloa and Ampara

This work, currently based in Batticaloa, will be extended to all six Duration : 2006- 2011 coastal districts from Trincomalee to Galle from July this year. Status : Ongoing Golden Bee Advice Service. This is a community advice service that enables individuals to deal with a whole range of problems No of Beneficiaries : the Community at large that trouble them in daily life by enabling them to have better access to Government and Non-Government services. The service, while pursuing solutions through advocacy and mediation, will Donor/s : Aktion Deutschland Hilft and EC also aim to build the confidence of those seeking support to effectively access such services themselves. The project will also seek to Implementing Partner : Peace and Community Action

36 ASB Local Initiatives Trincomalee

Project Expenditure ( According to sector ) Total Expenditure LKR 9,650,579.39 approx. USD 96,505.80

870660, 9%

School Kitchen 1563840, 16% 3868091.89, 40% Cow Rearing

Goat Rearing

Onion Cultivation

738036.5, 8% Market garden PROJECT FACT FILE

Multifarms 682210, 7% Name of Project : Local Initiatives for Development 1927741, 20% Trincomalee Local Initiatives for Development are small village development Location : projects, proposed by village CBOs that focus on the key issues faced by villagers such as education, livelihoods, water, health and Duration : 2008-2009 social welfare. Status : Under Implementation The project began in in the district of Trincomalee in 2008 and is planned to run for two years in a number of villages in the Goma- rankadawela and Kuchchavelli DS divisions. Local initiatives for de- No of Beneficiaries : 924 beneficiaries velopment aim to help village based organizations to get involved, take responsibility for and contribute towards the sustainable de- Donor/s : Solidarite Laique, Aktion Deutschland Hilft velopment of their village.

The programme uses a two pillar approach. The first pillar supports Implementing Partner/s : School Development Societies CBOs through the provision of cash grants to implement small (SDS) & Community Based Organizations (CBOs) project activities, with a mid term perspective of improving living standards of the village. The second provides capacity building for active community/CBO members in project management and de- “We really got involved in the project, voiced our opinions velopment planning, enhancing their ability to engage in the de- and played an important role. We identified activities, velopment of their village. planned the implementation process, formulated budgets There are several selection rounds for Local Initiatives. The first and had to think about ways to ensure sustainability of the round held in March 2008 and funded by Solidarite Laique focused project. Usually organizations only come and ask us what on education and benefitted a total of 687 children from three our problems are and then do everything themselves or they schools in the Gomarankadawela DS division. The second round of don’t ever come back. So ASB/Solidar is very different and we Local Initiatives selected in May 2008 focused on livelihoods and are extremely happy that they are helping us to develop our was financed by Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH) with a budget of circa LKR 47,000 (approx. USD 470) per participant. Currently ASB/ village and improve our living standards” Solidar is in working partnership with 15 CBOs and SDSs, implementing 15 local initiatives with 225 direct participants and 924 Ms. Somawathi, Samurdhi Society “MINIMUTHU”, Adampe beneficiaries. (Interview extracted from Solidar Newsletter September 2008)

news. June 2009 37 Families that moved into resettlement villages face additional challenges to their income-earning capacity because the new location SAH Income makes it harder or impossible for them to work in their usual pro- fession or sector. This project assisted individuals and families who needed special Generation Project: Ampara attention, support and help to restructure their income generating activities in the new location, develop new business ideas and acquire new skills to embark on alternative income generating activities. It focused on unskilled casual labourers, who form a substantial part of the population but are at the lower end of the socio- economic spectrum and who were least assisted by aid efforts. This included a large proportion of the female-headed households and households heavily dependent on income from female-income earners, which are among the poorest in such communities. The project first assessed the income situation of potential beneficiaries and developed strategies to improve this. A cash grant of LKR 35,000 (approx. USD 350) on average per family was provided for restarting or expanding livelihood activities in the tsunami villages of Mandanai in the Thirukkovil DS, Sengamam in the Pottuvil DS and later expanded to include Ashraff Nagar in the Addalaiche- nai DS. This was supplemented with business development advice and capacity building workshops. Access to financial institutions and loan and leasing facilities were facilitated for individuals who did not qualify for a cash grant or had bigger capital requirements than the cash grant. Since it’s implementation in 2007 the project has benefitted 42 individuals in the resettlement villages of Mandanai and another 116 in the village of Sengamam. The beneficiaries of the project include those affected by both the tsunami and the long drawn out conflict in Sri Lanka.

PROJECT FACT FILE Cash Grant Usage Name of Project : SAH/Solidar Livelihood and Income Fishing Generation Programme Home 2% based Agriculture Location : Ampara production 2% 4% Goat Trade / S ervice 24% Duration : 2008 –2009 10% Status : Ongoing Chicken 8% No of Beneficiaries : 676 families

Donor/s : Swiss Solidarity

Implementing Partner/s : Arugam Bay Lanscape Organisaton, Department of Agriculture, Director of Education, Local vets, Business Creatons, CEFE Net, Techlang

Cattle 50% “After losing everything to the tsunami, collecting LKR 35,000 in one go is a lot of money for us. It’s almost impos- Goat sible. So the cash grant from Solidar is like a new lease of life Cattle for us. I intend to raise goats and sell them for flesh when the Chicken time is right.” Trade / Service Home-based production Sugana Mandanai, Pottuvil DS Agriculture Fishing (Interview extracted from Solidar Newsletter April 2008)

38 SAH School Grdens Project: Ampara

HARVEST DATA 45 500

40 450

400 35

350 STED

30 E V R A STED 300 V E

R 25 A H ANTS H

250 L KG

F P O 20 R E OTA L 200 T

15 NUM B 150

10 100

5 50

0 0 Brinjal Okra Chilli Tomato Amaranths Mae Rabu POPULAR VEGETABLE SPECIES

MARCH (KG) APRIL (KG) NUMBER HARVESTED MAY (KG) JUNE (KG) JULY (KG) AUGUST (KG) SEPTEMBER (KG) In 2007 Solidar established its school gardens project to ensure nutritional security in school feeding programs conducted by World PROJECT FACT FILE Food Programme (WFP) in the Ampara district. The selection of 6 schools for gardens took place in consultation with the Zonal Di- rector of Education in Akkaraipattu and the WFP in Ampara district Name of Project : SAH/Solidar School Gardens Project with each ethnic community represented by 2 schools. Location : Ampara The gardens were designed to produce sufficient vegetables to complement the WFP midday meal on two days per week; the veg- Duration : 2007 – 2009 etables delivered protein, vitamins, iron and other micro nutrients providing a more balanced diet for the students. The gardens also provided a model which was used to promote knowledge and the Status : Ongoing practical skills of organic farming, agricultural technologies and natural resource management within both the school and the com- No of Beneficiaries : approximately 3088 students munity.

Approximately, 3,088 students from Grade 1-9 benefit through the Donor/s : Swiss Solidarity WFP school-feeding program. In addition, agricultural students in Grades 9-11/12 learnt about the establishment and management Implementing Partner/s : School Development Society’s of vegetable production and organic farming technologies. The (SDS) agricultural teachers and members of the School Development Society (SDS) also benefitted from this project, receiving capacity building training in balanced nutrition, practical teaching method- “Solidar’s Project will help us to provide answers to malnutri- ologies, organic farming technologies and natural resource management. This included the economic and ecological aspects of the tion. This will be a good thing for most students in the school use of water and organic wastes. because they come to school without their breakfast ”

Training was provided through Rainforest Rescue International and A.Judedarshan, 16 years The Gami Seva Sevana Ltd., a rural service centre specialized in or- Komari Tamil Maha Vidyala ganic farming technologies with working experience in district. The day-to-day liaison, monitoring and hands on practical training was (Interview extracted from Solidar Newsletter December 2007) undertaken by project staff.

news. June 2009 39 Nutritional Security Projects

Whilst the tsunami left thousands homeless, far higher numbers ceived a basic knowledge about nursery management such were left bereft of the in kind income and nutritional support pro- as preparation of compost mixture, selection of plant mate- vided by their home gardens (FAO report over 28,000). In Galle, over rial, seed treatment, pest management, etc from RRI field 2500 families were made homeless but over double that number of home gardens were destroyed. In the North a similar picture pre- officers. They supervised us periodically. Training has come vailed. As part of the transitional programme in the North a Nu- very handy in the day-to-day running of our home garden. tritional Security Project was implemented in several tsunami and Earlier we did not have this kind of knowledge. conflict affected areas in Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts of North- ern Sri Lanka with TECH (The Economic Consultancy House) as We want to produce a lot of plants. After that we hope to implementing partner. A Southern based NGO, Rainforest Rescue International (RRI), which was carrying out similar work for Solidar distribute those among villagers free of charge. This project in Galle and Matara districts provided technical support and guid- has helped increase our links with the rest of farming com- ance. Whilst conflict in the North meant a curtailment of this work munity. We hope to provide better service in the future, for it grew and developed in the South. that we need the help of RRI.”

The initial project in the South first built up the capacity of local ex- G.G Kamani Champika De Silva. tension officers who in turn provided community education on the propagation, care and cultivation of home garden stocks. A starter (Interview extracted from Solidar Newsletter April 2006) plant kit, consisting of greens, vegetables and herbs was also distributed among farming communities who had returned to their own homes and those living in transit camps in Galle and Matara districts to initiate home garden restoration. PROJECT FACT FILE

To ensure sustainability of the project RRI/Solidar facilitated the Name of Project : SAH/ Solidar Nutritional Security Project setting up of seven community based nurseries enabling the local communities to cover the varying demand for plants. Between 2005 and 2006, RRI/Solidar distributed more than 200,000 plants Location : Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Galle and Matara and seedlings to tsunami affected families. This programme made it possible for about 20,000 families to increase domestic food Duration : 2005 – 2006 production, improve their livelihoods and restore the local ecosystems by developing biodiversity and vegetation cover in their Status : Completed home gardens.

“Not many damages were done to our house from the Tsuna- No of Beneficiaries : 1,125 families (Jaffna and Kilinochchi) 20,000 families (Galle and Matara) mi disaster but our home garden was destroyed. Before the tsunami, we grew vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants Donor/s : Swiss Solidarity in our home gardens.

RRI field officers gave us a lot of confidence. As a result, we Implementing Partner/s : Rain Forest Rescue International (RRI) and The Economic Consultancy House (TECH) have gained a sound knowledge about home gardening. All the villagers are happy about it. In the beginning we re-

40 Coastal Community Rehabilitation Project

As a follow up to the Nutritional Security Program, Solidar/SAH in partnership with Rainforest Rescue International launched the PROJECT FACT FILE Coastal Community Rehabilitation Project (CCRP) in August 2006. Three years on, the project has achieved its overall goal of improv- Name of Project : Coastal Community Rehabilitation Project ing coastal livelihoods through small enterprise development, (CCRP) home garden rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration. Location : Galle and Matara

Duration : 2006- 2009

Status : Completed

No of Beneficiaries : 700 households

Donor/s : Swiss Solidarity

Home garden development was carried out in a manner similar to Implementing Partner/s : Rainforest Rescue International, that of the Nutritional Security Program – plants were propagated Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and distributed by 7 community based organisations (CBO) to a total of 700 smallholders. Each CBO manages a nursery that produces edible, ornamental and utility plants for home garden development and coastal ecosystem restoration activities. Selected farmers and CBO members were trained in mushroom cultivation, floriculture, organic farming techniques, and small business management to encourage crop and income diversification. Among the 700 households, 385 families turned to floriculture production while 59 opted to hone their skills in mushroom cultivation.

The ecological restoration component addressed the need to restore vital ecological services in coastal areas. The mangroves, wet- lands and coral reefs provide protection from coastal storms, miti- gate flooding, represent vital fish breeding grounds, and produce edible plants, firewood, building materials, and ornamental fish. RRI identified 180 acres of priority coastal ecosystems to restore in collaboration with local community members

news. June 2009 41 ASB Micro Projects : Matara

ASB’s Micro Projects have helped village based organizations get process. Following this, CBOs together with the villagers develop involved, take responsibility for and contribute towards the sus- proposals assisted by the ASB project team. A selection process fol- tainable development of their village. Micro Projects are small vil- lows where successful proposals are identified and rewarded with lage development projects, proposed by village Community Based a cash grant. The maximum funding for each project is LKR 200,000 Organizations (CBOs) focused on the key issues faced by villagers (USD 1830). such as lack of livelihood and income generating opportunities and social welfare. The second provides capacity building for active community/CBO members in project management and development planning en- The project was implemented in 10 villages in Akuressa, Hakmana, hancing their ability to engage in the development of their village. Thihagoda and Dickwella DS Divisions in Matara. It uses a two pillar approach. The first pillar supports CBO’s through the provision Through Capacity building and supporting civil society organisa- of cash grants to implement small project activities, with a midterm tions in self designed and implemented activities Micro Projects perspective of improving the living standards of the village. Firstly have successfully reduced poverty in their area, whilst also having workshops are conducted at village level where Micro Projects are a positive impact on the community’s preparedness to challenge developed by the people and local authorities accompany this poverty.

The Micro Projects

Project area Micro Project Beneficiaries DS Division GN Direct Indirect

Dikwella Dikwella North Production of coir related products 30 120

Bambarenda Central Production of food products and supply services 10 33

Hakmana Gangodagama Production of coir related products 33 103

Hakmana Badabadda Production of white coconut oil and food products 10 41

Akuressa Ihala Maliduwa Tea nursery 10 36

Thihagoda Batuwita Pepper and short term vegetable cultivation 10 35

Kithalagama West Cultivation of long term agricultural crops (Pineapple 10 34 and Banana)

Kirinda Puhul- Wawulanbokka Production of clay related products 10 24 wella

42 PROJECT FACT FILE ‘ACCESS’ Name of Project : Empowering Local Initiatives for Uplifting Poverty Youth Project : Hambantota Location : Matara

Duration : 2006-2011

Status : Ongoing

No of Beneficiaries : 123 direct beneficiaries and 426 indirect beneficiaries

Donor/s : Aktion Deutschland Hilft (2006-2009) and EC (2009- 2011)

Implementing Partner/s : Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

“Now we don’t even have to ask our husbands for money. Af- ter 6 months of work , this time I bought all school books and other schooling material for my children.”

U. H. Kamala Beneficiary of the Micro Project Matara

(Interview extracted from Solidar Newsletter February 2008)

140 0 2 120 1 3 0 1 100 S E I

R 80 A I C F I E N E B F

O 60

R E B M U 1 N

4 In January 2006 ASB introduced the ‘ACCESS ’ Youth Project,

40 6 6 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 0 3 a socio-economic recovery and development initiative in 4 2 20 the Hambantota district. One of the most disadvantaged 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 districts in the Southern region, Hambantota had endured 0 Coir related Coir related White coconut oil Tea nursery Pepper cultivation Long term Industry of clay Food products & immense destruction and damage during the tsunami in products products & Food products & Short term agricultural crops related Products Supply services vegetable (pineapple & 2004. cultivation banana) MICRO PROJECTS The Access Project has provided youth in the district with Bene ciaries Direct Indirect access to a range of multidisciplinary skills and the knowledge aimed at increasing their employability. Through the facilitation of an array of projects, and by providing skills, expertise, appropriate technology, and informed research to partners and individuals, the project has succeeded in accelerating the district’s immediate post tsunami recovery process as well as sustainable development drives.

news. June 2009 43 The project consists of four integrated components: BECS, COM- Project Direct Beneficiaries PUTE, CODE and CONNECT. BECS 2347 BECS stands for Business Education and Communication Skills and trains young men and women, in learning and using the English Language as a ‘linking’ language between entrepreneurs, their cli- COMPUTE 2898 ents/customers, suppliers and markets. CODE 1740 COMPUTE is the Computer Training and Education Component of the project which undertakes the training of young men and Total 6985 women, in Windows XP and Microsoft Office Professional including Word, Excel, Access and Power Point and educates them in access- ing the Internet and using email as a means of communication. PROJECT FACT FILE CODE is a community development initiative focused on assisting the poorest farming families in the district through the provision Name of Project : ‘ACCESS’ Youth Project of hard and software inputs, guidance and mentoring to break the extreme poverty cycle. Location : Hambantota CONNECT is a capacity-building initiative focused on improving district-wide project planning and management through the Duration : 2006-2009 establishment of an information systems network, a Village Point Level Database, and information technology and research skills.. Status : On going

No of Beneficiaries : 8,800

Donor/s : Aktion Deutschland Hilft

Implementing Partner/s : Implemented directly by ASB

Access Project Overview at a Glance

1740, 25%

Over the past three years of its implementation, ACCESS, has evi- dently increased the employment and self employment opportuni- 2898, ties, through increased vocational skills, of some 7000 young men and women, the quality of life through improved incomes of nearly 41% 1800 of the poorest farming population and indirectly improved the positive impact of development projects and programmes and the services of local governance to all the population of the district some 526,000 people through the introduction of a GIS based ‘real time’ district planning system.

“This is a very good course given free of charge. Prior to this we had no opportunity in Hambantota District to improve 2347, our computer knowledge. Training given here is systematic. 34% We have unrestricted access to computers. Other students also appreciate it” CODE

Dilrukshi Mohotti- Walasmulla BECS COMPUTE Student COMPUTE (Interview extracted from Solidar Newsletter December 2007)

44 Some Reflections from the Outgoing Solidar Representative – Guy Rhodes

In early April 2009 I completed the last leg of a bicycle ride from the Northern most point of Sri Lanka (Point Pedro on the Jaffna Pennin- sula) to the Southern most tip of the country (Dondra Head, Matara yy Ponit Pedro to Kilinochchi District). With a young family in Colombo and a heavy workload I yy Kilinochchi to Vavuniya (I did this section 3 times) rarely had time to fully dedicate myself to the ride but rather rode yy Vavuniya to Anuradhapura sections of the route when convenient during my time in Sri Lanka – usually tagged on to other planned field visits. This was not a par- yy Anuradhapura to Negombo ticularly impresssive performanace if you consider that it took me yy Negombo to Colombo almost 4 years to complete and I avoided the Hill Country following y the easiest route along the coast! y Colombo to Bentota yy Bentota to Hikkaduwa From Jaffna, I crossed Elephant Pass to Kilinochchi then through yy Hikkaduwa to Dondra Head the Omanthai check point and on to Vavuniya. I then followed the road South to Anuradahpura, westwards to Puttalam, and before following the Western coast of Sri Lanka down to Colombo, Galle The time spent on my bike allowed me to unwind from professional and Matara. The final leg from Hikkaduwa to Dondra light house life. I could reflect on the challenges of the day while getting a bit of was the most challenging as I was still recovering from a bout of exercise and using up a few calories. It also gave me ample oppor- Dengue Fever that had hospitalised me 3 weeks earlier – and I tunity to meet ordinary people across the country … people who could not delay as I was leaving the country to start my new ap- fed and watered me and helped fix my bicycle on the occasions it pointment in Geneva! failed.

news. June 2009 45 Cycle ride from Point Pedro (Jaffna) to DondraHead (Matara) –completed over 4 years!

Started Point Pedro (March 05)

the end

Dondra Head Light House, Most southern point of Sri Lanka (April 09)

One reoccurring theme that always bothered me during my reflec- North will –for a start - pose a formidable challenge for the security tions on these rides has been the deterioration of the image of the forces, GoSL, UN , INGO’s and the IDPs themselves. An improved Humanitarian Sector and Aid Community in the country - fuelled in understanding and trust between these parties is critical in or- the main by many baseless or unbalanced media reports and irre- der to optimise assistance to the North of the country and realise sponsible journalism. The notion for instance that NGOs and the UN appropriate development plans. We must seize this moment to have had a deliberate agenda of support for the LTTE in the North strengthen collaboration and partnership arrangements with com- is simply absurd and it is in my view an injustice to the civilians that mon goals. benefit from the activities of these organisations providing coun- trywide assistance. Indeed a review of all INGO supported activities I leave Sri Lanka to take up a post in Geneva but my family and I in 2008 revealed that over 75% of supported projects occurred in have a great attachment to the country and it will be very sad to the South and East of the country. The Solidar Consortium, for its leave as it has been our home for several years. We have also been part, has a very clear ‘one country approach’ to its programming blessed with a fourth child while in Sri Lanka and she will carry and in 2008, over 80% of our projects budget was targeted at areas around a birth certificate in Sinhalese for the rest of her life as a outside the Northern Province. Those activities that took place in reminder of her time in Sri Lanka. areas of LTTE control were attempting to address the humanitarian needs of civilians in those areas and such activities were not I have travelled the length and breadth of Sri Lanka coordinating ‘anti-government’ as alleged by some media reports. It is a shame the work of Solidar in 17 districts and through holiday’s with my that other agendas have sometimes attempted to blur this simple wife, Meriel, and our four children. We have been fortunate enough truth. There is much work to be done in order to repair some of the to have witnessed the incredible diversity and beauty that Sri Lan- misperceptions that exist. ka has to offer and will miss the hospitality of the people and the friendships we have established. The military success of the GoSL forces against the LTTE promises to open a new era of development opportunities in the Vanni - and I thank the government and our partners for all their support indeed for the country as a whole. The management of the return through some fairly challenging times and I wish the very best for of IDPs and their resettlement back in their places of origin in the all staff at Solidar, other colleagues and friends for the future.

46 QIPS News

New Beginnings in Batticaloa

In August 2008, 255 families who had been displaced for over two years were resettled in Muruththanai, an area located in Batticaloa’s Ki- ran division. Like most IDP communities who returned to their homes in the country’s Eastern province, the people faced harsh conditions upon their arrival. In addition to having no permanent housing and limited access to basic services, people living in these areas have few livelihood opportunities. Prior to displacement, most families earned income through paddy farming or vegetable cultivation; nevertheless, with little capital and no equipment, it was difficult to restart this agricultural work.

With little time before the fall harvest season, Solidar QIPs and its local implementing partner, Sewalanka, worked together to design a livelihood project that would help kick-start agricultural activity in these returned communities. ICRC offered assistance to seed paddy farmers in the area, however, several families either did not own land or did not have the proper documentation to receive the assistance. Solidar QIPs focused on the remaining 198 families who did not qualify for ICRC assistance and supplied them with the seeds and equipment necessary to cultivate other cash crops.

Sixteen small groups, consisting of 12 members each, were formed in five villages in Muruththanai. In addition to supplying these groups with inputs, the beneficiaries were trained by Sewalanka in organic farming techniques, book keeping and marketing. Lessons in maxi- mizing revenue were quickly put into practice by three groups located in Minuminuthaveli who collectively decided to store their ground nut harvest and sell it as seeds for next season, effectively doubling their profits.

Groups in the village Akurana also enjoyed a profitable yield, each farmer earning around LKR 5000 (approx. USD 50) for maize and LKR 4000 (approx. USD 40) for vegetables. As in Minuminuthaveli, their re- warding harvest was not only due to hard work, but was also a product of coming together as a community. Group members worked together to prepare organic fertiliser to use during cultivation. Moreover, as a group the farmers decided to take the product directly to the Market in Oddamavadi instead of relying on middlemen. The result was a substantial increase in income for all group members. For next harvest season, Akurana farmers have already collected all varieties of seeds with plans to sell these seeds as well as use them for their own purposes.

news. June 2009 47 War on Want in Sri Lanka: working through partnership to fight poverty

War on Want has been supporting social movements and civil so- rary workers who are paid at a daily rate and do not receive over- ciety organisations in Sri Lanka for several years, building their ca- time pay. In spite of such major obstacles, FTZGSU continues to pacity to challenge the structures that keep people poor and mar- fight for improved conditions in Sri Lanka’s factories. War on Want ginalised. In the wake of the tsunami, as a member of Solidar War is proud to support the efforts of trade unions like FTZGSU which on Want also supported two Quick Impact Projects implemented help workers stand up for their rights. by Norwegian People’s Aid to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable host and displaced communities in the Eastern Province. Following the devastating consequences of the tsunami, War on Want launched an appeal to support victims in the war ravaged With funding from the British Department for International Devel- Eastern Province. The money raised went towards Quick Impact opment, War on Want has been supporting the work of the Move- Projects implemented by Norwegian People’s Aid and its partners ment for National Land and Agrarian Reform – Monlar – a Sri Lank- to restore and improve the livelihoods of host and displaced fami- an organisation dedicated to improving sustainable agricultural lies affected by both the tsunami and the ongoing conflict. The proj- practices amongst small scale farmers and campaigning for land ects were implemented in Batticaloa and Trincomalee and involved and agricultural policies which are less export oriented and more business trainings and the provision of inputs to help beneficiaries beneficial to rural farmers. MONLAR encourages farmers to return launch their activities. These included goat rearing, perennial crop to organic farming methods. The projects they support promote cultivation and the establishment of small businesses such as gro- new forms of mixed-cropping, composting, seed cultivation and cery shops and textiles. other farming practices which are sustainable and inexpensive. This enables families to meet the majority of their food needs, and all In February 2009 War on Want visited Sri Lanka to witness the signif- surplus produce is sold at local markets, providing them with much icant achievements of all its partners. Staff met with beneficiaries of needed money for education and health care. War on Want supported projects, including the Quick Impact Proj- ects in Batticaloa, whose incomes had increased, enabling them to War on Want also supports the Free Trade Zones and General make significant savings from their new businesses to support their Services Union (FTZGSU), which has been campaigning tirelessly families. Such support has been vital to ensure vulnerable commu- against the appalling conditions faced by factory workers in the nities are able to survive and continue their livelihoods despite the export processing zones (EPZs) which produce garments and other ongoing insecurity in the area. items for overseas consumers. The current financial crisis has meant that thousands of workers in EPZs are now being forced into even War on Want remains committed to working with civil society more dire working conditions – or even losing their jobs, and sole groups in Sri Lanka, particularly those trying to combat poverty, source of income, altogether. In recent months some of the biggest exploitation, and human rights violations. It also supports organi- factories have closed down, leaving tens of thousands of workers zations in other parts of Asia and the Middle East, in Africa and in unemployed. Those that remain in the factories are mainly tempo- Latin America.

48 Solidarité Laïque, a longstanding partner of Solidar

Solidarité Laïque is a French network of NGOs focussing on chil- education activities within the Consortium, and creating links be- dren and education development. It is a member of the SOLIDAR tween the Consortium’s programs and its network of local partners Network in Europe, and has been supporting Solidar Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. Consortium activities for the last 3 years. This strengthening of the links with the Consortium could be a Solidarité Laïque has been especially involved in 2 projects in the good opportunity for Solidarité Laïque members, especially La Trincomalee district : Local Initiatives and Quick Impact Projects. Ligue de l’Enseignement (also a member of SOLIDAR Europe), to be more involved in the different programs implemented in Sri Lanka. This time of changing is a new opportunity for Solidarité Laïque to reinforce the cooperation with the Consortium. Solidarité Laïque Today, Solidarité Laïque wishes to encourage new dynamics in Sri is looking for new possibilities to develop further projects with the Lanka, and to extend its activities in the Island, alongside Solidar, Solidar Consortium mostly in the East and / or in the Vanni if is rel- and is actively looking for fundings to do so. evant. Solidarité Laique is looking to developing more integrated

news. June 2009 49 Opening of the Housing Project in Vaharai

On 25th March 2009, ASB organised a ceremony to mark the hand- In his address to the gathering, Vaharai Divisional Secretary ing over of 90 houses to their new owners in Puchchakerny village, Giritharan said in Vaharai DS Division, Batticaloa district. These 90 families were “The need of the tsunami affected people in the village to amongst 70,000 persons who had been displaced as a result of the have a decent house is satisfied today. I would like to thank intensified conflict in 2006 between government Security Forces ASB and UNOPS for working hard to complete the work and the LTTE. In January 2008, almost a year after the area came un- within one year. This project is unique in terms of its imple- der government control, ASB initiated the Vaharai housing project mentation strategy. It made sure that beneficiaries too had together with UNOPS as implementing partner to provide perma- a part to play throughout implementation period. I urge all nent homes to 90 families that were living in transit shelters. the beneficiaries to maintain their houses in original standard” K. Ganesan, Chairman Pradeshiya Sabha, Giritharan, Divisional Sec- retary- Vaharai, Matthew Todd, ASB Country Director, Dr. Cynthia Based on successful previous partnerships between UNOPS and Solidar Consortium, ASB chose UNOPS as its implementation part- Caron, Project Manager and Senior Technical Advisor ASB, Sris- ner for this project too. Expressing his views, S.Raventhirathas, UN- kantharajah, Regional Coordinator UNOPS, a representative of the OPS Area Manager said, National Housing Development Authority (NHDA), ASB and UNOPS project staff and last but not least representatives from the benefi- “We are very pleased and happy to work in partnership with ciary families were amongst those gathered for the event. ASB/Solidar. In fact we started our partnership in 2006 for the implementation of 400 houses in Uduthurai in Jaffna Proceedings of the opening ceremony began with welcoming of district. Unfortunately this project had to be abandoned due the chief guests followed by the hoisting of the national flag, ASB the war in Vanni. However we were able to use the leftover and UNOPs flags. Thereafter, all invited guests took part in lighting resources and complete the 90 houses at Vaharai on time and within budget. We were able to achieve this due the ex- of the oil lamp in the nearby community centre where the rest of cellent cooperation and support we received from ASB/ Soli- the proceedings took place. Addressing the gathering, Matthew dar” Todd, ASB Country Director stated he was very happy to see the completion of the work on time given some of the initial constraints The ceremony ended as guests made their way to inspect a few that the project team had faced. He also thanked implementing houses and meet the occupants who generously entertained the partners UNOPS and NHDA for their roles in the project. The NHDA main guests with a wide variety of home produced food. provided technical support to the project. In addition to these houses, work has already begun to construct 30 houses each in Oddamavadi and Kiran DS Divisions in the Bat- ticaloa district.

50 SOLIDAR General Assembly Pays Tribute to the Humanitarian Commmitment and Courage of Solidar Volunteer Staff in North Sri Lanka.

At its General Assembly in Brussels on May 26th 2009 representa- of emergency shelters, the distribution of tarpaulins, the build- tives of SOLIDAR’s fifty member organisations paid tribute in a for- ing of latrines, the distribution of water, and other essential items mal Statement to the bravery and commitment of the 29 Solidar such as mosquito nets and cooking pots to the internally displaced volunteers who remained working in the Vanni following the with- refugees and helped to maintain hospital generators and essential drawal of the UN, Solidar and other humanitarian agencies. electrical equipment.

In September 2008 Solidar Sri Lanka along with UN agencies and As the conflict intensified the humanitarian volunteers were nine other NGOs still working in the LTTE controlled Vanni area pushed along with the displaced population east and finally into were ordered by the Sri Lankan Government to cease operations the narrow coastal strip where the final battles were fought. They and withdraw their staff South into government controlled areas. endured life under constant shelling - where thousands of civilians At that time an estimated 200,000 people had been displaced from perished around them – in conditions of acute shortages of water, their villages and land by civil conflict and were urgently in need of food and medicines as well as being exposed to monsoon rains and basic humanitarian support. tropical heat with limited shelter. During this time they continued whenever possible to distribute what supplies of water and other Following Solidar’s relocation outside the Vanni 29 Solidar local essentials they could and to support their fellow Sri Lankans. staff, as well as local staff from other agencies, remained in the Van- ni as Humanitarian Aid Volunteers working under the Government In its statement the Solidar General Assembly expressed its grati- Agents (GA) of the districts of Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi until April tude to them for their contribution to saving lives and alleviating 2009. Prior to their withdrawal the NGOs had agreed with the Sri suffering. The General Assembly also recognised the courageous Lankan Government that they would leave emergency relief stock, contribution of volunteers from other NGOs, the UN, ICRC, and dis- stores and some fixed assets such as water bowsers to be used by trict medical and other staff working with the Government Agents the Government Agents to provide emergency relief. Using these in the conflict zone. materials, the volunteers supported the construction of hundreds

news. June 2009 51