27 April 2006 - Incidents of violence have taken place in Sri Lanka during the past few days. The escalating tension threatens the current ceasefire. The worsening security conditions, especially in Eastern Sri Lanka, are directly affecting populations who are fleeing their homes. In view of the escalating violence, Action Against Hunger, present in the region to support these displaced populations, has had to suspend its programmes, including those assisting people affected by the latest fighting.

Increasing concern about a return to civil war

In Eastern and Northern parts of Sri Lanka, as well as in Colombo, violence is on the rise: the number of attacks, murders, violent strikes and bombings are becoming more and more frequent. For the first time in several months, confrontations between civilians have taken place. The renewed community violence raises fears about a return to civil war and threatens peaceful ethnic coexistence. Thousands of people, fearing fighting and faced with the destruction of their homes, are taking refuge in public buildings, especially in Trincomalee.

Action Against Hunger has been implementing emergency programmes under the current violent situation, supporting 2,000 displaced people, building latrines and distributing jerry cans to provide adequate hygiene conditions for these refugees. Teams on the ground also focus on the food security situation of these families: the price of expiring staples has doubled (in some places it has even tripled) within the last month.

Reduction in humanitarian space

In view of the intensification of violence, access to vulnerable people is becoming more and more difficult: some NGOs have been the target of violence, resulting in some organisations leaving the area. The movement of Action Against Hunger’s staff is now restricted. Teams have been reduced and some national employees have been unable to come to work due to increasing dangers. Although populations have increasing needs, Action Against Hunger teams present in Trincomalee, Mutur, Kalmunai, Batticaloa, Jaffna and Colombo are facing increasing difficulties in continuing their work. Yesterday’s bombings have forced Action Against Hunger to suspend its programmes that were helping displaced populations.

Action Against Hunger highlights that the reduction in humanitarian space compromises access to people in need in some areas.

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