WASHINGTON (ABP) — Sri Lanka’s government has declared victory in its 26-year civil war, but a resulting humanitarian crisis is far from over.
Leaders of Sri Lankan Baptist Sangamaya (Union) handed out water, milk, footwear and other supplies to about 500 families in a temporary shelter May 11-12. The supplies were purchased with an initial grant of $5,000 from the Baptist World Aid, relief and development arm of the Baptist World Alliance.
On-and-off fighting since 1983 had intensified since January, leaving an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 civilians caught in the middle in a small strip held by the rebels. Thousands of displaced of mostly Tamil persons have begun to pour into already crowded government displacement camps, many malnourished and traumatized by months of living in constant fear.
E.K.Yasaratne, general secretary of the Sri Lankan Baptist Association, said relief workers are requesting additional supplies including mosquito nets to fight malaria, along with water, soap, towels, and items for baby care.
BWAid Director Paul Montacute asked Baptists worldwide to support Sri Lankan Baptists in helping those in need by donating to BWAid’s Emergency Relief Fund.
Sri Lanka’s president promised a political solution to the conflict acceptable to all communities in the country. He said the war was against terrorists and that all ethnic minorities are now Sri Lankans.