Emergency relief for internally displaced persons in Vavuniya

12 April 2008 - Vavuniya, otherwise known as the gateway to Vanni, is situated in the Northern Province and is a land that has been ravaged by the ongoing war. Not very many people like to travel to this region which is considered hazardous, as it is in very close proximity to the rebel controlled area. Although a mix of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim people inhabit Vavuniya, most of them live in fear. Threats facing these people are not only due to the ongoing shelling and gunfire. Parents also fear for their children who are forced into combat, for the loved ones who do not return home, the loss of shelter and livelihoods and having to face many hardships each day in this war torn region.  Most of the people who live in villages move to the town to spend the nights with their relatives due to fear.

Nagar Illippaikkulam is one such village where the community lives in constant fear. Living in dire poverty, this community badly lacks security. Their literacy levels are very low and due to climatic changes and the war many have lost their livelihoods. The inhabitants of this village move to the towns during the nights to seek shelter. Some of them have resolved to move out permanently. ADT visited this village and decided to provide relief packs for 56 families who are internally displaced.  

Two of the villagers shared their story with the ADT relief team. One of them was Mrs. Murugaiya Parvathi. A widow of 4 children her story of sorrow is much like the others in this village. She lost her husband in 1999 whilst moving places as refugees.  Whilst on the move again to Madukarai, she lost her son-in-law. Her daughter was only 37 years of age at this time. In the wake of all this turmoil the remaining family members moved to India as refugees.

Success Stories

Mrs. Murugaiya returned in 2000 as they thought that the situation would have changed for the better by then. Upon arrival they sought shelter at the Pandhotta Welfare Center. As the government came to know about their situation, Mrs. Murugaiya and her family were given a house at Nahar Illuppaikkulam (Housing scheme). “Even though we live like this my daughter and I are widows. We found it very hard to find a job. Later on we were able to get involved in labour work, for which we were paid a small sum. Still we are poor”. “With all that is happening around us we live in constant fear” continued Mrs. Murugaiya, “This has affected our daily income and education. We have been displaced as refugees in our own place”. “At this time your organization came and visited us. You helped us. You solved our hunger. Thank you so much” said Mrs. Murugaiya gratefully.