Emergency relief in the Wanni will continue.

Management consultants MDF South Asia recently facilitated a two-day workshop with Sewalanka and long-term partner German Agro Action (GAA) to explore ways in which the two organisations can continue working together in light of the intensified conflict in the north of Sri Lanka.

The evaluation assessed the relevance, effectiveness and sustainability of six projects being conducted in the north of the island by the partners, and made recommendations on how work and activities should continue.

Food security

The integrated Food Security Program is currently in its second phase. The initiative provides support to resettled and relocated communities in northern Vavuniya as they transition from dependency on relief aid to self reliance and sustainable development.

The project focuses on the rehabilitation of agricultural production, reconstruction of basic rural infrastructure, establishing linkages with the regional market economy, supporting trade and small businesses, and improving the nutrition and health of resettled families in the Wanni region.

The assessment concluded that the project should continue, but with a redesigned format to incorporate the needs of newly displaced people. Social mobilisation will continue with the current beneficiaries.

Housing construction

The Construction of Housing project is phase two of an initiative which aims to construct 502 houses in Jaffna, Kilinochich and Mullaitivu. Phase two will provide 140 permanent homes for tsunami-affected families.

The assessment of this project concluded that houses should not be constructed in Marathankerni because of the security situation in the area. Due to a shortage of supplies, the project will be extended and houses will be redesigned to adjust for the rising price of building materials and cement.

Before starting work on phase three of the project, which involves the construction of the remaining houses, another assesment of the security situation and framework conditions will be conducted.

Emergency relief and rehabilitation

Combining emergency rehabilitation and recovery, this project supports both tsunami and conflict-affected families being either resettled or relocated in the districts of Vavuniya and Mannar.

The assessment concluded that work should continue in both areas as the project is almost complete, yet some minor adjustments will be made.

Socio-economic rehabilitation of communities

Over 2800 returnee families are
re-integrating into their communities in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Mannar.

This project focuses on socio-economic rehabilitation of these tsunami and conflict-affected families and creating conducive economic and social conditions for community members to move from dependence on external aid to self-reliance and development.

The assessment concluded that this project should continue with only minor
amendments

Livelihoods

This project supports 1400 tsunami-affected families in six communities in Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi and Jaffna districts.

GAA and Sewalanka Foundation provided relief and aid to these families immediately after the tsunami and later helped them resettle in their place of origin.

Project activities focus on strengthening cooperatives, community-based organisations and self-help groups and recovering disrupted livelihoods.

The assessment concluded that the project should continue with modifications and that the duration should be extended to provide extended support and to ensure sustainability of the livelihood activities.