CARE has worked in Sri Lanka since 1950.
Relief efforts in Sri Lanka
CARE’s work in Sri Lanka began with a focus on food security and maternal and child health. Today, we work to address the root causes of poverty and the marginalisation of vulnerable groups by building communities’ skills and promoting responsible leadership within government and community organisations. We work with poor rural communities, populations affected by conflict, and plantation workers. Our programs focus on peacebuilding, sustainable livelihoods, equality for women and girls, emergency preparedness, and disaster risk reduction. We also work to address violence against women and girls through training, raising awareness, and supporting women’s action groups.
Following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, CARE expanded its work to support tsunami survivors in seven of the worst-affected districts.
CARE has worked in Sri Lanka since 1950.
2004 Sri Lanka Boxing Day tsunami
Sri Lanka suffered the second-highest number of deaths after Indonesia in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, and the highest death and displacement rate as a proportion of its population and size. The worst damage was on Sri Lanka’s east and south-east coast, which faced the earthquake’s Indian Ocean epicentre; however, there was significant damage and loss of life on Sri Lanka’s western coast as well.
35,322 people died or disappeared and 516,150 were forced from their homes in Sri Lanka, as a result of the disaster. Damage was estimated at USD $1.5 billion. The tsunami pushed sea water deep inland, demolishing buildings, destroying crops in the ground and salting fertile farmland.
CARE helped over 110,000 families affected by the tsunami. Immediately after the disaster, CARE staff helped search for survivors, distributing safe drinking water, food, clothing, bedding and hygiene kits. After the initial response, CARE helped communities rebuild public buildings, water wells and toilets, and provided counselling to traumatised people. We also helped people earn money by providing them with training and supplies needed to start a small business, such as fishing and farming.
You can help provide lifesaving aid and services to families when emergencies like this strike by giving generously to our Global Emergency Fund here.
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Photo: © Gordon Dow/CARE
