Christian Aid: Violence Hindering Post-Tsunami Work in Sri Lanka

Christian Aid has reported of increasing violent clashes between militia groups and government forces in the east of Sri Lanka over the past week. The Christian organisation has stated its fears that this continued violence could seriously endanger the post-tsunami reconstruction efforts in the country.

The emergency coordinator of Christian Aid in Colombo has reported that gunfire and explosions in the Trincomalee region have been regularly seen by Christian Aid’s workers over the past few days. In particular, after the killing of three Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres last week, violence has increased dramatically.

The Trincomalee area was greatly devastated by the tsunami in December 2004, with tens of thousands left homeless. A majority of these people are still living in temporary or transitional shelters, and have not been given any permanent living facilities yet.

The head of Christian Aid’s humanitarian division, Nick Guttmann said, "It would be a tragedy if people who have already lost their homes in the tsunami are now again been forced from their temporary shelters due to fear of fighting in the area."

The aid group emphasised that the violence would make the process of helping people rebuild their homes and communities enormously complicated and hazardous.

For three years a ceasefire agreement was adhered to by conflicting groups, however, after the tsunami renewed disputes broke out regarding a mechanism of channelling aid to the LTTE-controlled areas.

Mr Guttmann said, "All sides now need to show restraint. There is too much at stake.

"If violence spreads it will not only jeopardise essential rebuilding work, it will further increase the chronic poverty that already exists in many parts of post-conflict Sri Lanka. War exacerbates poverty."