Background
The majority of Sri Lanka’s population earn a living through agriculture and fishing, however close to a quarter live below the poverty line. Over three decades of conflict between the Sri Lankan military and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the north, east and northwestern districts of the country has left approximately 65 000 dead and countless numbers maimed or injured.
The humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka deteriorated further after the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. The tsunami devastated over two-thirds of nation’s coast-line, caused the death of over 30 000 people and the displacement of nearly half-a-million Sri Lankans.
Economic, social and political capacities in various parts of the country cannot adequately prepare for, or respond to disasters. Vulnerable Sri-Lankans therefore have a variety of needs, ranging from immediate life saving necessities to longer-term strategies in support of rebuilding livelihoods. Much high-intensity farming land in the north and east of Sri Lanka remains uncultivated and local agriculture practices require adjustment to better meet the population’s food requirements.
FAO’s emergency role in Sri Lanka
FAO’s immediate response to the December 2004 tsunami was to establish an Emergency Rehabilitation and Coordination Unit (ERCU) in Sri Lanka. The ERCU set up a mechanism which aimed to ensure all activities in the agriculture and fisheries sectors were technically sound and accounted for, with minimal gaps or overlaps. Currently, the central office in the capital of Colombo coordinates a total of six district offices that carry out FAO emergency activities in the conflict-affected areas of the north and east.
With coping mechanisms stretched to their limit, livestock, fishing and agricultural equipment lost and purchasing powers seriously eroded, many Sri Lankans are still at risk of food insecurity. In particular, IDPs, returnee and relocated families as well as host families in returnee areas require long-term agriculture, livestock and fishery rehabilitation assistance.
As the lead agency for food security, FAO is carrying out a coordinated sector strategy in the north and east of Sri Lanka to:
ensure the timely delivery of urgently needed emergency agriculture inputs such as quality seeds, tools and fertilizer
assess and protect assets of IDPs, vulnerable host households, returnee and resettled families in the north and east
support the efforts of the international and national NGOs and community-based organizations to fill gaps, avoid duplication of efforts and complement humanitarian activities
support the resumption of basic agricultural, livestock, and fisheries activities
