The civil war in Sri Lanka may be over but for thousands of civilians displaced by the war, their struggle to survive continues. Since January this year, nearly 7,000 civilian lives have been lost and some 13,000 people injured in this war. The United Nations estimates that over 250,000 people have been displaced by the violence and are now accommodated in ‘welfare’ camps. These camps suffer poor sanitation and shortages of food, water and shelter. There is no freedom of movement beyond these centres that have been described by many as being ‘detention camps’. Those in camp suspected of ties to the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) have been removed by the army and not seen since.
The Uniting Church in Australia has links with Sri Lanka through partnerships with local churches and Sri Lankan members of the Uniting Church in Australia. Many of these churches are serving in regions impacted by the war. Church members and clergy have been detained by the Sri Lankan military. They have lost family members and their stories are heartbreaking.
One church leader claims up to 10,000 men, women and children may have been killed during the battle this week to defeat the LTTE.
Within the Church, Tamil and Sinhalese members have spoken of their anguish at the situation of their families and friends, many of whom remain in camps short of food, water and shelter. They have called on the Church to act in support and have sought peace within a divided Australian community.
In response, UnitingWorld has launched an emergency appeal for Sri Lanka and sent an initial $25k for immediate relief. We have kept in regular contact with Sri Lanka partners throughout the war assuring them of the Uniting Church’s prayers and concern.
These funds will provide essential food and equipment packs, pastoral support and medical supplies. We are also seeking to establish emergency accommodation to provide a day care service, meals, counselling and equipment to displaced communities.
Relief and Development Associate Director Rob Floyd says “Supplies will provide for approx. 4500 people for one to two weeks but continued uncertainty means that more assistance is urgently needed”. UNICEF currently estimates that over a quarter of a million Sri Lankans are now in camps for people displaced by the fighting.
Donate – You can donate via the website www.unitingworld.org.au, or call 1800 998 122
Advocate – The Hon Stephen Smith, Minister for Foreign Affairs has said ‘we [can] help the Sri Lankan government, the Sri Lankan people achieve an enduring, lasting peace’ you can write to the Minister to register your support of this stance and your ongoing concern.
Pray – The UnitingWorld website has prayer resources for Sri Lanka provided by the Christian Conference of Asia.
