OCHA Situation Report
Sri Lanka
13 - 21 April 2005


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Overall situation

According to statistics gathered by the Office of the Transitional 
Accommodation Project (TAP), the number of temporary housing units 
constructed to relocate tsunami-affected families has risen to over 
15,468 by 15 April. Work on 7,856 more units is now in progress and is 
expected to be completed within the next few days, according to TAP.

UNHCR reports that as of 21 April, a total of 12,000 transitional 
shelters have been constructed in tsunami affected areas of the country, 
with an additional 7,000 in the process of being constructed. Overall 
commitments have been made by various organizations, according to UNHCR, 
to build a total of 65,000 shelters. UNHCR and the government are 
planning to meet to reconcile the differing figures regarding 
transitional shelters.

Challenge and response

On Sunday 17 April, it was reported that a large group of displaced 
persons in tents have spontaneously occupied private land in Fedroo 
Estate, Aluthuuala (in the borderline area between the divisions of 
Ambalangoda and Baddegama) Galle district. The group is causing concern 
for local government officials and NGOs. Reports put the number of 
displaced persons at anywhere from 40 families to 1,500 persons and it 
is still unclear whether they are tsunami-affected people. The IDPs are 
reportedly originally from Hikkaduwa Division. Both District and 
Divisional governments are aware of the problem, but are keeping their 
distance feeling there are political undertones to this land occupation. 
OCHA will assess the humanitarian situation tomorrow and take action if 
necessary.

Non-food items and shelter

Fifty families have returned this week to Navalady, Batticaloa district. 
Navalady is the narrow sand stretch between the ocean and the Batticaloa 
Lagoon that was severely decimated by the tsunami. The IDPs have made 
the return on their own initiative. They will initially stay in two 
transit centers while they work in cooperation with agencies on the 
reconstruction of their homes. By the end of this week, a total of 76 
families will be accommodated in the transit centers. Critical road 
repairs and electricity works have not started yet.

On Tuesday 12 April, in Galle district World Vision inaugurated 84 
completed transitional shelters in Anungulla, Balapitiya Division with 
the Chief Guest being Mervyn Silva, a former minister, currently a 
Special Representative of the President. Also present was MP Mr 
Gunaratne Weerakoon, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure.

Livelihoods

The Livelihood Task Force in Batticaloa, which includes government 
representatives and UN agencies and NGOs has stressed that, while the 
focus until now has been on providing assistance to the fishing 
communities, the agriculture sector and agricultural-related business

that are tsunami-affected need increased attention. FAO has recently 
stressed the needs in such tsunami-affected agricultural areas for 
additional inputs of seeds and fertilizer and for the replacement of 
livestock, particularly poultry.

With the Yala planting season just starting, FAO is sending 67 tonnes of 
paddy seed worth US$ 22,000 to areas in the south. That is enough paddy 
seed for 1,668 acres of land, sufficient for tsunami affected farmers in 
the areas of Hambantota, Matara and Galle districts.

At the same time, the farmers will be provided 83 tonnes of BASAL 
fertilizer and another 167 tonnes of urea fertilizer in two weeks time.

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