Renewed violence threatens Sri Lanka aid efforts

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (June 16, 2006) - A sharp escalation in violence in Sri Lanka threatens humanitarian and development work crucial to the country's reconstruction process, including ongoing reconstruction after the December 2004 tsunami, CARE said today.

"If open hostilities resume, it will hurt everyone, especially the poorest Sri Lankans," said Nick Osborne, CARE's director in Sri Lanka. "Already more people need assistance than ever before, but it is becoming difficult for us to reach the hardest-hit communities."

Attacks, including Thursday's bus explosion, the deadliest incident since the February 2002 ceasefire accord (CFA), are putting more pressure on aid efforts.  Since April 500 people have been killed, and thousands displaced, in what is increasingly categorized as a low intensity conflict. Security has degraded for all ethnic groups in the country's north and east.

"It is absolutely critical that all parties proactively prevent the further deterioration of security by upholding the ceasefire agreement and continuing to pursue a peaceful, negotiated solution to the protracted conflict," stressed Osborne.

CARE, which has worked in Sri Lanka since 1950, operates in 15 districts spread across the country. In the north and east this includes both government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) controlled areas.  After the tsunami, which killed more than 30,000 Sri Lankans, CARE was one of the first agencies able to reach affected communities on both sides.  But this access is jeopardized by hostilities, Osborne said.  Progress in the tsunami reconstruction effort, already frustratingly slow for many affected people, is facing hindrances. For example, restrictions on the movement of cement and steel rods have held up housing construction, while the general lack of security means that movement and access is often curtailed, further contributing to delays.

"Our mandate is to serve civilian populations according to need, without regard to political or ethnic affiliation." said Osborne.

Among the most pressing issues affecting civilians, CARE cited:

• An environment of fear and impunity which has been reinforced since the signing of the CFA by violence targeting women and children, political killings, factional fighting, intimidation and coerced conscription to name a few. Over 200 civilians have been killed due to their political affiliations or due to LTTE factional fighting while over 200 government armed forces personnel have been killed as a result of claymore mine and grenade attacks.
• Recruitment of children for armed conflict continues although there was a significant drop following the tsunami. According to UNICEF, at least 4,400 children are known to have been recruited since 2002 — a number that is probably far underreported.
• Threats to economic and development progress made during the four-year ceasefire period. The "peace dividend" since 2002 has brought about unprecedented growth in the traditionally marginalized conflict-affected areas, especially in the key agricultural sector. The GDP of the Northern Province grew by an annual average of 12.6 percent during the post-CFA period compared to the 3.4 percent during the pre-CFA period. Similarly, the Eastern Province's GDP grew by 10.1 percent compared to its pre-CFA growth of 4.6 percent. At a national level growth rates increased from 4 percent in 2001 to 4.9 percent in 2002 and 2003 respectfully while investor confidence grew. These gains could be reversed if the security environment continues to deteriorate.
• Threats and hindrances to humanitarian and development work. Tightening of security procedures by both sides has hindered the flow of humanitarian assistance and activities, while political groups with vested interests are attempting to manipulate aid agencies into conducting projects favoring particular political agendas.
• An increase in harthals (compulsory work stoppages) called by civilian proxy groups poses a further hardship to civilian economic activity and relief and reconstruction efforts.
• Threats to humanitarian workers. Since late 2005, 15 humanitarian workers have been abducted while two were killed as a result of claymore mine explosion. Vehicles have been stoned and staff physically and verbally intimidated. Last month, an official working for a bilateral organization was shot and killed in Batticaloa, and unprovoked grenade attacks targeted the offices of three international agencies in the eastern district of Trincomalee.

Osborne stressed that addressing these issues within the context of the CFA is crucial to safe and effective humanitarian intervention.  "We are committed to continuing our work with Sri Lankan communities and if the current situation continues it is the most vulnerable people who will suffer," he said.