APRIL 2008

APRIL 2008

Welcome to the 1st issue of Solidar Consortium’s

newsletter in 2008. As the security situation in Sri Lanka reaches new lows, the implications of the spiraling violence are felt countrywide. No where are these effects felt as strongly and acutely as in the North/East, where the actual fighting is taking place between Government forces and the LTTE.

Notwithstanding the challenging security environment prevailing in the Vanni, Solidar consortium and other humanitarian agencies are continuing their assistance to thousands of displaced families languishing in IDP camps and other unsafe

environments. Despite their humanitarian support to the people of Sri Lanka, INGOs are having their work undermined by a negative media focus and inaccurate reporting. Whilst recognizing that the media plays an important role in publicly scrutinizing humanitarian agencies and the international community at large in their service delivery to the people of this country, such criticisms should be objective and constructive. In some cases, it can be interpreted as antagonistic or demonising. This issue reflects some of the challenges and constraints facing humanitarian agencies operating in the conflict affected North/East.

In adapting to the changing human security environment in operational areas, Solidar consortium, like most other I/NGOs, has revised its programme activities to maximize the impact of its humanitarian response. The Integrated Internally Displaced People’s Programme (IIDPP) has undergone further changes in the context of depleting humanitarian space.

Similar to any conflict environment, in Sri Lanka too, it is the civilians who are forced to bear the brunt of effects of war and violence. Three decades of conflict has debilitated the social and economic fabric of Sri Lankan society. Fresh violence in the

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editor’s Comments

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Effective Security Management System

19 redr uk Conducts Security Management Course in Sri Lanka

20 Bamboo and Riverine Planting Project, Kapu Ela & KoppeEla Bank

22 The Tsunami Gardeners

27 Cricket brings joy to the Vanni

28 Perspectives on Mine Action in the Vanni

2 Editorial

Working Around a Military Agenda

Ray of Hope

10 A Birthday in Mandanai

12 Girl of Many Faces

Guiding Principles for Humanitarian Aid and Development Assistance in Sri Lanka

16 QiPs News

district of Mannar has forced a large number of families to flee their homes. Already battered at the hands of previous bouts of conflict, many families running away from their homes are facing additional social and economic problems as a result of their displacement. Each ‘story’ is both unique and unnerving. We bring you the details of one family’s effort to rebuild their lives from scratch not knowing when they will return to their place of origin. The Guiding Principles on Humanitarian and Development Assistance in Sri Lanka is an initiative from the donor community that is expected to alleviate mistrust and miscommunication between donors/

assistance groups and other stakeholders including the Government and the LTTE. The interview with David Verboom, Head of Office for the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid for Sri Lanka and the Maldives (ECHO) sheds light on future course of actions to be undertaken under this initiative.

I would like to extend a big thank you to all those who sent feedback on the previous issue. Please send your comments and responses to Solidarinfo@sltnet.lk or our postal address.

Sulochana peirisEditor

editor’s Comments

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Contents

Working arounda military agendaChallenges for Humanitarian Activities in the Vanni

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humanitarian agencies operating in the North of Sri Lanka

are having a hard time. They are embattled by a host of challenges that test their ability to deliver assistance to some of the most vulnerable of the 800,000 civilians caught up in the developing conflict in the Vanni and Jaffna. The plight of this

population - to which there is limited access - is not likely to change much in the following months. Indeed, observers expect the situation to deteriorate further, perhaps much further, before it actually improves. Agencies understand that humanitarian space will be compromised in a conflict setting, however the challenges is to continue

to promote the humanitarian agenda and the plight of innocent civilians and to coordinate with officials and the security forces to maximize appropriate access to affected communities. NGOs are working hard with government structures to attempt to address these difficulties and to ensure that where possible humanitarian assistance activities are effectively managed around military agendas.

The following article is a selection of constraints ‘of the day’ faced by NGOs and other humanitarian workers impacting their ability to reach affected communities and deliver assistance. They are broad reaching – encompassing access restrictions, weakening coordination, deterioration of security, implications of negative media and

unaccommodating administrative procedures. This article is written in the politico military context of April 2008 and will rapidly become outdated. Situations change fast however and some issues of humanitarian concern will be addressed while others will not … and undoubtedly further constraints will also develop. This article provides a snap shot of some of the areas of concern that exist at the end of the first quarter 2008.

by Guy Rhodes PhD.

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International Humanitarian Agencies in the Vanni include:

INGOs: ASB/Solidar, SAH/Solidar, NPA/Solidar, ZOA, FORUT, OXFAM, WUSC, SCiSL, World Vision, CARE, DRC, MSF, Welthungerhilfe (thru Sewalanka Foundation), Caritas (thru Hudec)

UN: UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNOPS, UNDSS, UNDP, FAO, ILO,UNOCHA,IOM

Others: ICRC, German Red Cross

news. April 2008 5

Vavuniya

Mannar

Mullaitivu

kilinochchi

Jaffna

Required improvements in the material and supply approval mechanisms

The mechanisms for approval of supplies and materials into the Vanni is fraught with difficulties and is generally accepted within the Consultative Committee on Humanitarian Affairs (CCHA) as a priority for improvement. The supply of essential items such as fuel must be maintained and there needs to be

enhanced understanding between parties to ensure that approved quotas better reflect actual needs.

Review of restrictions on movement of material and staff necessary:

Restrictions on movement of provisions and staff to support humanitarian activities across check points such as Medawachchiya (Anuradapura) and Omanthai (Forward Defense Line

north of Vavuniya) have major impact on the ability of agencies to implement projects. Whilst it is understood that appropriate checks are required, it should remain a common objective to streamline and fast track humanitarian supplies. Again, discussions in the CCHA should continue to revisit this key ‘access’ issue but expected to remain a challenge throughout 2008.

11 Shelter Construction 1222 Temporary shelters

have been constructed since August 2006.

12 Latrine Construction Solidar has constructed 865

latrines in IDP camps in the districts of Mannar, Mullaitivu and Killinochchi.

13 Quick Impact Projects (QiPs) Over 200 projects have been

implemented through nearly 80 local partners.

14 Shelter Coordination Cell (SCC) Coordinates response to the

current emergency as well as plans and prepares for any future displacements.

15 Cash Grants Supports income generating

activities of families in resettlement villages of the Vanni.

16 Technical Team The technical team provides

maintenance support to transit camps, government offices, hospitals and supports NGOs and the UN.

17 Hygiene Information Project (HIP) HIP presentations are shown

among school children and IDPs in order to spread messages of hygiene and personal health and prevent the spread of diseases.

18 Non Food Related Items (NFRI) 1942 NFRI packages have been

distributed amongst IDPs in the districts of Mannar, Mullaitivu and Killinochchi

19 Nutritional Security Supports IDP and host

communities providing them with homegarden kits and know- how to produce nutritional food for their daily meals.

10 Mine Action Mine Action activities in

the Vanni are currently suspended pending approval from the MOD for limited activities.

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Limitations on access within the Vanni

There are major restrictions on the safe movement of humanitarian agencies within the Vanni due to sustained military activities on several fronts and reduced security due to a wider but less frequent number of incidents attributed to Deep Penetration Units and others. Advice from Government security forces and LTTE essential to access and support IDP populations. Improved understanding of project locations and humanitarian activities by all parties is vital in order to effectively manage relief projects around developing military activities.

Concerns over bomb strikes in Kilinochchi town

Four incidents of strategic targets being bombed within Kilinochchi town over the last 4 months resulted in damage to UN and NGO properties. This is a serious concern and an increase in air strikes would contribute to a withdrawal of humanitarian agencies from Kilinochchi. Organisations may choose to relocate to areas firmly under Government control or to safer positions within the Vanni. Coordinates of all UN and NGO offices and residences in Kilinochchi have been provided to the Ministry of Defense to help minimize accidental strikes against humanitarian facilities.

Project restrictions due to strict partner implementation arrangements

Humanitarian agencies have a range of implementation arrangements whereby assistance activities are undertaken directly or

through credible local organizations endorsed by the Government Agent. These arrangements are scrutinized and conditions of partnership are overhauled by INGOs in light of the concerns. The strict criteria enforced and regulated by INGOs sometimes creates disagreements with authorities in the Vanni and has led to canceling of some projects or an extension of timeframes of the development phase of others.

Access for heads of NGOs into the Vanni should be facilitated

Heads of NGOs have had restricted access to areas under LTTE control and approvals are now requested through the NGO Registrar (Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare) and the MOD. At the time of writing, this mechanism was new and untested. It is essential that the heads of organizations have access in order to properly manage and take responsibility for their programmes in the Vanni.

Strict pass arrangements for movement of local staff across FDLs

The LTTE controlled pass system that approves local staff movements can be restrictive. Where organizations work on either side of the FDLs in Mannar district for instance or where coordination meetings or training courses are held outside the Vanni, there is a requirement for staff movement to be facilitated.

Weakened Coordination in the Vanni

The reduction of UN/NGO staff, both expatriate and Tamil managers registered outside the Vanni, weakens coordination activities. This is anticipated to remain a problem throughout 2008 as the ‘brain drain’ continues.

Significant delays in the visas and work permit approvals for expatriates

Major setbacks in the delivery of projects are caused by significant delays in the provision of visas for new expatriate humanitarian workers and the renewal of visas for existing staff. Many expatriate employees of NGOs and the UN remain outside the country or outside their designated operational area due to significant delays in the issuance of visas and work permits. Whilst the need to scrutinize applicants and to encourage employment from local resource pools is supported, the process must be made more efficient and visa endorsement should be extended to 12 months when approved.

Negative media focus on UN and NGOs

The relentless focus on NGOs has unfortunately started a process to change public perception of humanitarian aid and helps to facilitate the furthering of agendas that restrict the ability of NGOs to function. There is also increasing concern that the negative public opinion generated may contribute to security implications for NGO staff. There needs to be a greater responsibility for the media to portray humanitarian organizations

as an asset in times of crisis rather than some sort of threat.

It is imperative that authorities (including the security forces and other militia) remain fully committed to facilitate the management of civilian populations affected by conflict. Furthermore, it is vital that humanitarian agencies on the ground respect the government and its military agenda. On these grounds and with a focus on improvements in communication in 2008, it is hoped that delivery of assistance to those affected by the war can be better managed according to recognised principles of humanitarian assistance.

Solidar Consortium:a flexible approach to planning a humanitarian response 2008

the Solidar Consortium implements an integrated IDP support

programme in the north of Sri Lanka composed of some ten different projects.

In the event that operational activities are further compromised in the Vanni members of the Solidar Consortium have offices around the periphery of the current areas of LTTE control and would implement or monitor certain activities from these in line with the flexible plan of Solidar for 2008/9. This would be contingent on IDP movement and the nature of the conflict during the project

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kilinochchi & Puthukudiyiruppu NGO Offices

akkarayan & mallavi fall back positions within the Vanni

Operational/ monitoring offices in areas of government control

VavuniyamannaranuradhapuraJaffna

operational facilities to address contingency planning in 2008period. In addition to offices in the Vanni, Solidar has offices in Jaffna, Vavunyia and Mannar to draw on to support project activities as required. The Vavunyia and Mannar offices are currently being expanded and strengthened as part of the organisational contingency plans to provide remote assistance for the Vanni activities if required and to provide greater support to those beneficiaries who may be accessible from current or future areas of Government control.

Humanitarian supplies and relief items are being prepositioned where considered appropriate. Solidar has storage facilities at four locations in the Vanni (Kilinochchi, Parantan, Akkarayan, Mallavi) and in Vavuniya and Anuradapura. Items are being located to address various contingencies.

Livelihoods Shelter Coordination C

ell

EmergencyShelter

LatrinesIncome-generationCash Grants

Nutritional SecurityCash for Work

NFR

I –assessm

ents & distribution

Hygiene Inform

ation Project(HIP)

Quick Im

pact Projects (QiPs)

Electrical & Plum

bing Support –H

ospitals

Mine A

ction

Emergency Infrastructure

Integrated IDP ProgrammeNorthern Sri Lanka

Solidar Field Coordinator

Construction

Emergency Shelter M

aterial Stockpiling

for Mary who lived with her husband and two children in Adampan in the district of Mannar life seemed

perfect. Although they may not have had the worldly riches of some, they lived a comfortable life with the monthly income they generated from the paddy fields they owned in the area. Never for one moment did Mary and her family imagine that one day they would have to leave their home, possessions and everything that was familiar to seek a brand new life elsewhere.

Mary remembers that fateful day very clearly “It was the 2nd September 2007. We woke up and went about our daily tasks as usual; none of us expected the

disaster that was to strike. In minutes, war clouds engulfed Adampan and surrounding areas and all we heard was the constant shelling coming from the military base nearby.”

For the villagers all the chaos that was to follow brought on only a sense of déjà vu. Empty handed Tamils and Muslims fled to safety as fast as their feet could carry them, making their way to communal places such as schools, multi purpose halls and temples in efforts to escape the shelling. These places too soon became too full to accommodate everybody and some had to find shelter under the trees.

Mary says “ I thank God for saving my life that day. My greatest fear was losing my family. Shells were raining down on us and all we heard was one explosion after another. Along with hundreds of others we came to Paliyaru. There we had no food, no water and no shelter; nothing at all. We were all put up in a school and the local partners supplied us with foodfor the first few days.”

It was during this time that Solidar received a list of beneficiaries from the Village Gramasevaka Officer requesting NFRI (Non-Food Related Items) support for the IDP’s sheltering in the communal

Mary, her husband and two children.

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by Nadrajah Thivieyaraj

ray of hope

HIP Presentation for IDPs

Mary relates her story

places of Vellangullam, Iluppakkadavai and Paliyaru. Solidar honoured this request by providing NFRI packages to 1249 families. Solidar also agreed to build 250 temporary shelters and 83 temporary latrines. Exceeding this commitment, Solidar has now completed 305 temporary shelters in Paliyaru and an additional 8 emergency shelters in Iluppakkadavai. The Hygiene Information Project (HIP) presentations disseminated messages of hygiene and personal health in an attempt to prevent the spread of diseases among IDPs. Implemented elsewhere in the Vanni HIP is one of 9 projects under the Integrated Internally Displaced People’s Programme (IIDPP) of Solidar Consortium. Following the

HIP presentation, Solidar provided hand washing stations and toilet cleaning kits to the participants.

Mary was one of the beneficiaries to receive humanitarian assistance from Solidar in the form of NFRI, temporary shelter and temporary latrine. Mary says “We didn’t know what to do next as we had lost everything Solidar came in and gave us hope and a renewed confidence. We still don’t have everything we require but the assistance rendered at the time of our greatest need will never be forgotten“.

Mary’s story only exemplifies the trials and tribulations of those that live in

the North and East of Sri Lanka, where it only takes a moment to change your life. The hardships of carving out a new life will never be easy as Mary explains “having lived in a concrete house we are now living in a hut. My children have to attend a new school and my husband has resorted to daily labour and fishing to support our family.”

Thankful for their lives and the small mercies they received from Solidar and other humanitarian agencies, Mary’s family and hundreds of others in the district of Mannar are able to carry on hoping for a better life.

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A Birthday in Mandanai

by Meryse Tissera

news. April 2008 11

Walking into Sugana’s house, one can’t escape the shrieks of joy and laughter as the kids in the

neighbourhood all huddle around a little something in Sugnana’s arms. Sugana shows us her bundle of joy with pride and tells us her name is Seetha. Seetha was born this morning to one of the goats Sugana purchased with the livelihood cash grant she received from Solidar.

Sugana, a resident of the tsunami resettlement village of Mandanai, Pottuvil Division in the district of Ampara heard about the grant at a community meeting in the village and decided to apply for one. “ I applied for the grant in October 2007 and received my first installment of Rs. 15,000/= (US$ 150) in December with which I purchased three goats; two little ones and one adult. With my second installment of 20,000/= (US$ 200) I purchased another three goats, this time two adults and a kid. Today is an extremely happy day for me as I reap the benefits of my investment with the birth of little Seetha.” say’s Sugana.

Sugana, 33 and unmarried, lives with her Mother and sisters. This is not unusual in Sri Lanka as most young adults choose to live with their parents. However the family didn’t always live in Mandanai. They only moved here after the tsunami in 2004.

Sugana says “ After loosing everything to the tsunami, collecting Rs. 35,000 (US$ 350) in one go was a lot of money for us. It’s almost impossible. So the cash grant from Solidar is like a new lease of life for us. I intend to raise goats and sell them for flesh when the time is right.”

At present the livelihood cash grants programme is being implemented in two areas, namely Mandanai and Sengamam. Prior to receiving the cash grant 152 beneficiaries participated in 5-day business trainings. They developed business plans with which they could apply for cash grants and additional training at Solidar. Of the 38 families that reside in the resettlement village of Mandanai, 37 applied for cash grants. So far 33 applicants have received cash grants and the rest are in the process of review. In the village of Sengamam, 32 cash grants were handed out to those affected by the tsunami and another 72 to those affected by the conflict. Early success of this project has encouraged

Solidar to expand the project to Asraf Nagar in the Addalaichenai Division in the future.

Once an installment has been disbursed , Field Officers would then inspect the pen to see that it has been built to the given specifications. They also keep a record of all the material bought with the installments and file receipts retrieved from the beneficiaries for all their purchasers.

Mythily Sundaralingam, Solidar’s Field Officer says “I visit the families everyday and physically verify that they have purchased all they need to rare the cattle, goats etc. If I notice that the pens haven’t been built to specifications, I advise them on how it can be corrected. No one has really failed in the programme, some are just slower than others and I try to motivate them by visiting them regularly. The community pressure also helps spearhead the programme.”

Livelihood Development Officer of the Divisional Secretariat in Thirukovil, Chandra Bavan had this to say about

Solidars livelihood cash grants programme “Unlike with micro-credit cash grants, this is a much faster process. Also because the applicants have to come up with a business plan to apply for the grant, they are more involved with the programme. The training provided by Solidar ensures sustainability of the programme. For example people who applied for an animal husbandry cash grant were given a special training by the Veterinary Surgeon in the area.”

Today things seems to look up for Sugana but she tells us that the heightened security around the area makes it difficult for her to take her goats to graze and periodical monsoon weather only compounds the issue. These are times of conflict and with the abrogation of the ceasefire that was signed in 2002, Sugana like most Sri Lankans feels the future is uncertain. But for now Sugana cradles Seetha and gives us that unmistakably warm Sri Lankan smile.

*Since this article was written Sugana’s goats have had yet another kid as seen in the pictures above.

by Meryse Tissera

Sudharshani, another livelihood cash grants beneficiary used the

money she received to stock up the shop which she runs in the village of Mandanai in the Pottuvil Division of the district of Ampara. She now makes a profit of Rs 400/= (US$ 4) a day which goes a long way to feed her family and educate her children.

Although all residents were given the opportunity to apply for the cash grant, it is only those that could come up with a sustainable business plan-be it animal husbandry, running a retail shop, fishing etc-that were eligible for the grant. Her husband, a labourer payed by the day is never sure of work and “I have to carry the burden of this entire family and I’m extremely grateful to Solidar for coming forward to help us.” Sudharshani says.

Livelihood Development Officer of the Divisional Secretariat in Thirukovil, Chandra Bavan told us that success stories like this are not uncommon among the beneficiaries. He elaborated with an example; “This man I knew who was a fisherman and lost everything in the tsunami was relocated to Mandanai. It was too far away from the coast for him to pursue fishing so he decided to apply for the grant and try his hand at

raising goats. He started on his own and now he’s made a business of it, looking after other peoples goats too and earning himself a steady monthly income.For now Sudharshani travels once or twice a week into town on her bicycle to replenish stocks. It’s an 8 km ride back and forth and the scorching sun and potholed roads don’t make it any easier. She tells us

“ Riding my bicycle is very tiring, besides it takes too long and I can only bring in a few items. The cost of a three wheeler would be beyond my means. So a motorcycle is just what I need to boost my business.”

Some time ago Sudharshani participated in a Seetu, which is a traditional savings scheme where participants contribute an agreed sum of money on a monthly basis. The pooled amount is then awarded to one member of the group at a time, either in an agreed order or by drawing lots. Next month Sudharshani will draw a lump sum from this investment and with this she hopes to buy herself a motorcycle.

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The Girl of Many Faces...

Use of grants by Income Generation activity

news. April 2008 13

hambantota, in Southern Sri Lanka, was one of the districts hardest hit by the Tsunami in 2004. Three years on and despite a discouraging political environment, tsunami related construction

goes on and evidence of the disaster is slowly being erased. In one such effort Solidar teamed up with UNOPS to bring normalcy to hundreds of school children in the Hambantota district by reconstructing four schools, namely Dutugamunu School, Kirinda Muslim School,Tangalle Rahula and Nakulugamuwa Primary and Secondary Schools. Solidar provided UNOPS with the much needed heavy machinery making this project economically feasible. The machinery provided by Solidar included a lorry used to carry construction material and equipment to and from the site and a compaction roller and Backhoe loader used for landscaping and play ground construction. Mr. Anura Wijetunge Regional Coordinator (South) of UNOPS says “ The cost of hiring machinery for construction purposes is very high and there is often a long wait list. Therefore the logistical support provided by Solidar with the lease of these three heavy machines was invaluable as it was both timely and economical.”

The construction work of three schools was outsourced and the machinery lent by Solidar was used in the landscaping and construction of playgrounds in this instance. Some of the construction work carried out at Lunama Dutugamunu School, one of the largest schools in the district with a strength of about 500 students, included four three storey buildings, three quarters, two separate toilets blocks for male and female students, a boundary wall and a large play ground with play structures.

The cooperation between UNOPS and Solidar also saw the construction of Tangalle Rahula School and Tangalle Base Hospital, both these institutions being essential to the community at large.

Solidar Collaborates with UnopS to Rebuild Schools in the District of Hambantota

Has the current situation in the country precipitated these Guiding Principles?

It’s always good to remind ourselves of the mandate that we work here on. Why are we working in Sri Lanka? The signatories probably represent 90% of funding that is coming into the country. So it’s good to outline why we are here. What principles are there - non discrimination; we work everywhere, transparency; accountability; we want to coordinate with the government and with other

stakeholders. And then the issues that are particularly prevalent in the North/East, access, security, and safety. So we want to be very clear among ourselves with the government who has completely endorsed Guiding Principles as the principles that we work under.

How relevant are these Guiding Principles in today’s context?

We feel that they are very relevant. They are basically a summary from International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights and International

Guiding Principles for Humanitarian and Development Assistance in Sri Lankaon the back of an increasingly volatile security situation,

the donor community supporting humanitarian and development assistance activities in Sri Lanka recently

put forth a set of Guiding Principles for Humanitarian and Development Assistance. According to David Verboom, Head of Office for the European Commission- Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) Sri Lanka and the Maldives and one of 13 signatories to the Guiding Principles, responses from all stakeholders to this initiative are encouraging . Here are the excerpts of an interview conducted by Sulochana Peiris with David Verboom.

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Code of Conduct which is signed by NGOs and Red Cross family. We took out the 10 most principles which are applicable for Sri Lanka. The Government actually is a signatory to most of these principles. So they are not new principles. These are existing principles that have been respected all over the world. But we feel they are relevant for staff who are working on these projects, for government officials in the districts, Army officials.

One argument would be that these principles are not legally binding under any law. What is your response to this argument?

That’s also why they are called Guiding Principles. Of course we are visitors to Sri Lanka.This is all money donated to the country and activities provided to the government and communities. We cannot take the place of government. So we are suggesting these principles be applied. And the Government has internationally signed up to most of these. It’s up to the Government to actually endorse it. In case of violations of these principles to act upon if necessary. It’s not our job. We approach it from a positive angle.

What has been the response by the Government and other parties towards these Guiding Principles?

First of all, the Government has been very positive. We set up a Mode of Operation Working Group. This is a sub committee under the Consultative Committee on Humanitarian Aid (CCHA). This sub committee is co-chaired by the European Commission and the Ministry of Social Services, the NGO Secretariat led by Mr. Douglas Nanayakkara. We co-chair this committee

that has representations from different ministries - ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Human Rights and Disaster Management, Secretariat for the Coordination of the Peace Process (SCOPP) and it has representatives from the international community, donor representatives, NGO representatives, and CHA. It’s a very broad group. Together they are designing a Mode of Operation, which outlines how these two groups, the Government and international humanitarian agencies should work together. The good thing is that the government has said they need to work under the Guiding Principles as their framework. So what we are doing now is developing a chapter with each Guiding Principle. So it’s a very positive way of making it practical for everyone, including the implementing agencies. The idea is to complete in three months. And this manual will then be endorsed by the Government, donor community and we will use it to help our colleagues in the field.

Is there a concerted effort to raise awareness amongst the different stakeholders about these Guiding Principles?

We just drafted a proposal. The Work Group meets once a month. All 13 signatories are represented in the group. It’s a donor group. We discuss these issues including information dissemination. There have been 3000 leaflets printed, 3000 posters. They have all been distributed already. Now we are planning to launch a multi media campaign using TV, Radio, and the Press. Not very complicated messages. Just the principles. We hope to get as far and wide as possible to common people, government officials, Security Forces, and other

stakeholders. Not just the North/East. But anywhere in the country where there is development/rehabilitation and relief activities taking place.

What is the purpose of the database?

Well, after disseminating these principles, we get feedback. We have got more than 120 feedback reports. Some are positive. Most are negative I must say. Where they feel there are issues that need to be taken up. They can come from agencies. They can come from beneficiaries. They come from all different stakeholders. We are discussing these in the Work Group with all the ambassadors and high commissioners later this month. Then we will discuss how we should solve those issues. Then of course we will take it up through the CCHA, with the Government where necessary. For example, if agencies don’t coordinate, the Government has the right to ask why you are not coordinating. There is also responsibility on agencies’ side. So there are issues that have come up from different stakeholders. We first have to discuss locally within the district. And one other thing we are launching is workshops in the districts where all stakeholders get together and discuss 10 principles. And bring up the issues and try to resolve them. It all comes down to cooperation. We agree about this. But there is miscommunication, misunderstanding between these two parties; mainly between the Government and the international community/implementing agencies. Sometimes it comes through the press criticizing one side or another. So this has brought forth misunderstanding and mistrust. What we are trying to do with this initiative is to restore that trust in these workshops. In these meetings.

We have the same aim. The aim is outlined here; we are working together to contribute to improvements in the quality of life in Sri Lanka. We all agree with this. So let’s implement on that basis.

Is there a mechanism to verify feedback before being transferred into the database?

The database is currently maintained by OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs). But the entire group is in charge; all the signatories. In every working group we look at the database. We look at the report. Currently what we are doing is we only look at trends. These are confidential reports. It could be a beneficiary that is bringing something up or government official. We will look at trends and if there is a certain trend in a district, we want to discuss it with the people involved. And try to improve the situation. That is the approach that we very much want to take.

Do you believe such a data collection process would reinforce development and humanitarian activities on the ground?

Yes. We’ve already seen that. Where we have done workshops where it has been discussed and it already has improved. Instead of coming from different angles,if you sit together and you deal with these principles. You are sitting together in order to solve those problems. And trying to improve the lives of Sri Lankans. So the Guiding Principles help to bring the different stakeholders together to look at common objectives and to look at all principles we all adhere to. So instead of criticizing it, let’s get on with the job and do it together.

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the district of Batticaloa is home to an estimated 73,000 differently-

abled persons and another 20,000 mentally handicapped persons, a large portion of this figure being children. Last year in an effort to uplift the lives of these individuals and their families, QiPs funded the construction of the Mentally Handicapped Children and Families Educational Project(MENCAFEP) Special Needs Children’s Day Care Centre in the villages of Meeravodai and Oddamavadi. The main objective of this intervention being to reduce stigma associated with disability, increase the level of support available to family members, provide a pleasant and attractive environment for the persons concerned and increase the number of activities and quality of medical attention available. Music, exercise, constructive play, speech training,physiotherapy, vocational and job training are some of the activities available at the centre. Through these activities, differently-abled children are prepared for adulthood and given a serious opportunity at employment

in the future and thereby greatly easing pressure on the families caring for them. Family support groups have also been established where the families help each other, to meet the challenges of caring for a loved one together. The home visit programme eradicates feelings of shame and guilt among families by explaining that they are unnecessary burdens that hinder the child’s, family’s and the community’s development.To facilitate the needs of children and youth, the centre has been equipped with the following features: all access points have been made wider with ramped access for wheel chairs and children with mobility difficulties, toilets have been designed and built for use by disabled children, all sharp edges, for example, corners of walls have been made smooth as far as technically possibly to reduce risk of injury and special rails and holding points have been situated in locations around the building to further enhance mobility of children.

Additionally half walls have been built within the building that enable staff to supervise

children at all times. This required the outer walls and the roof to be strengthened to accommodate the weight of the building.

The community of mainly Muslims and Tamils has been most supportive of the MENCAFEP Special Needs Children’s Day Care Centre, expending their time and energy in Sharamadana (voluntary labour work)around the building, as well as contributing financially on a monthly basis. This money has been used to organize trips for the children as well as to pay for repair and maintenance work around the building.

MENCAFEP Special Needs Children’s Day Care Centre has made an invaluable contribution to the communities in the district of Batticaloa by making them see their differently- abled population as a resource to the community and not a burden.

QiPs News

Special needs Day Care Centre for Handicapped Children and their Families

Livelihood Assistance for Ampara

a generation ago the raising of livestock was the third most sought

after income generating activity next to paddy cultivation and fishing in the district of Ampara. However, due to the communal violence that erupted in the area many livestock farmers were forced to flee and rebuild their lives elsewhere. Towards the latter part of last year and in an attempt to revive cattle breeding among returnee’s, QiPs collaborated with GAFSO(Group Action For Social Order) to provide 30 milking cows (with calves) to 25 Tamil and 5 Muslim families. Approximately 200 individual members of men and women headed conflict affected families benefited from this intervention.

The results of this project being two fold; firstly minimizing malnutrition among children and lactating mothers and secondly, creating avenues for income generation by selling the milk at local milk collection centres. The first week proved to be a busy one with materials being procured to build cattle sheds and the selection of cattle in agreement with the beneficiaries, GAFSO and the Veterinary Officer. Following this the beneficiaries were divided into five groups of six persons and a fortnightly training was conducted to hold them in good stead when it comes to rearing the cattle on their own. This training was facilitated in

in the North and East of Sri Lanka, schools and other communal places

double up as safe havens in times of conflict. Rauff Muslim Vidiyalayam is one such school in Kantale in the district of Trincomalee. Recognizing the need for a library at this school, QiPs supported its construction via the School Development Society (SDS). This town, recently becoming the home to several hundreds of displaced families in the aftermath of the military offensive in Mannar, now benefits from a 3 roomed building, accommodating a library, reading room and an administrations office. The library and reading room have had a positive impact on the entire community serving not only the staff and students of this school but the

community at large.

Having been built on a former paddy field, the school is prone to flooding during the monsoon. In order to address this issue, the school grounds and surrounding land was filled, compacted and leveled using drainage equipment. To ensure high quality construction work, the construction of the building was supervised by the Kantale Zonal Education Office.

At present Rauff Muslim Vidiyalayam in Kantale is a primary school overseeing the education of 88 students from approximately 400 families in the area. Now with a library and reading room in place aspirations of being upgraded to a secondary school seem close at hand.

A Library for Rauff Muslim Vidyalayam

having observed the alarmingly high rates of child abuse, child

labour, malnutrition and mental disability prevalent among the host and IDP communities in the district of Puttalam , the Sansili Foundation collaborated with QiPs to the implement a campaign to promote child rights in the area. Prior to the implementation of the project, a survey revealed

that demonstrations were the preferred method of learning among the villagers. It also noted that traditional methods of promoting awareness through the distribution of printed booklets and handouts or lectures on the subject had proven to be ineffective due to the high incidence of illiteracy among the villagers.

Puttalam in North Western Sri Lanka is home to an estimated 60,000 displaced people, a result of both the forcible expulsion of Muslims from the North by the LTTE in the 90’s and the recent escalation in conflict.

Therefore it became apparent that what was required was a timely intervention to

promote child rights as well peaceful co-existence within this multi ethnic population. An innovative approach called the Kawi Madu was implemented in 10 villages in the DS Divisions of Kalpitiya, Puttalam, Mundal and Vanathavillu.

This entertaining yet informative method of information dissemination uses poetry delivered through melody, stage drama and

street drama. It attracts people of all ages and goes beyond the barriers of ethnicity and language.

The Kawi Madu provided the much needed space for people of different communities to address their grievances as well as providing the opportunity for children to showcase their talents. The programme discussed not only the nature of child rights and child abuse but also helped parents and children to develop useful life skills. In a country where child abuse is regarded as taboo, this innovative approach by QiPs and the Sansili Foundation has made some refreshing changes in the communities concerned.

news. April 2008 17

conjunction with the Veterinary Department and an official from a private dairy production company MILKO. By the end of November and in eager anticipation of the arrival of livestock, 30 cattle sheds were constructed by the beneficiaries. Purchased from Kurunegala and Pollanaruwa, the cows were distributed among the beneficiaries after inspection by the Veterinary Surgeon. For the 30 beneficiaries selected from the DS Divisons of Navithanveli and Sammanthurai this meant having, affordable milk and a new way to generate income.

A Brighter Future for the Children of Puttalam

QiPs News

18

Within the humanitarian community there is a general acceptance of a degree of risk,

especially when working in a conflict environment. The aim of an effective security management system is to minimise risk so that our programmes can be delivered effectively. Ideally this should be achieved without introducing prohibitive procedures which delay work plans and interfere with our core business, helping those in need. Effective security management frameworks could be compared to a vehicle tool kit. It gets in the way, is rarely used and takes up space. But when you breakdown, it can get you out of all sorts of problems.

One way of achieving this is by developing an organisational culture of security and risk awareness. Solidar is working hard to do this. But it is a process that will take time. Often people who have worked in a humanitarian setting for some time carry preconceptions and can be reluctant to accept change. This is especially true where security is involved. In most cases these preconceptions are fair and are based primarily on experiences which have led to a misunderstanding between the aims and objectives of a security framework and that of the programme manager. Humanitarian work and security management are easily seen as two contradictory disciplines. In an increasingly uncertain and less predictable world, this is far from the truth, however. Organisations need to be smarter and more accepting of core skills required to successfully assist those in need and security awareness is one of those skills.

Solidar has taken a number of approaches to develop a culture of security awareness. The first is to introduce new staff to our security management framework and the risks in Sri Lanka. This takes place at the point of hiring. Contracts now include a clause regarding security awareness and all staff must complete the UN Basic and Advanced Security in the Field Interactive Training Programme. In most districts staff now receive local security briefings from the Solidar Security Focal Point. This helps to raise awareness. Solidar also has security risk assessments and security plans for all offices. All these elements help to raise awareness of the risks. If people are aware of the risks they are better placed to do

something to mitigate that risk. When is rains most drivers slow down. This is usually an instinctive process because the driver is aware that there is a higher probability of having an accident. The more we are aware of the risk, the more instinctive our decision making becomes.

Solidar also liaises closely on security matters with other organisations – the UN, INGOs and ICRC. This is important as in an emergency it is likely that we and others would have to work collectively

to solve a problem. Through regular liaison we are better placed to know who is available to assist, where they are and what resources they have. Likewise they understand our position.

It requires active participation from all staff, even the most reluctant. After all a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Effective Security Management System

by Tony Hulton

news. April 2008 19

redr uk In affiliation with the CHA(Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies)

completed a successful four day security management workshop from the 25th -28th February 2008. Under the banner Learning Support and Capacity Building, the course benefited almost 20 participants from both Government and NGOs in Sri Lanka. Overall the course aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of the principles of risk management with special emphasis on safety and security and to build skills relating to personal and team security capacity. A country embroiled in almost three decades of conflict, one is often required to operate in remote areas with poor infrastructure and communication, devoid of external support. There is thus a compelling need for all those working in the conflict zones to be able to operate in adverse and insecure environments.

The facilitators Graham Flood–Hunt(UK) and Franziska Heizmann- Nicolini (Switzerland) imparted their extensive knowledge in lessons that covered 14 chosen topics on security management, enhancing the ability of participants to perform their role safely and effectively in the field and also help team members perform with adequate safety.

The course covered topics ranging from security planning, security assessments, evacuation, threat, vulnerability and risk factors, the impact of stress, security strategies, crisis management, etc.

Over the course of the training the participants showed growing interest, asking numerous questions giving the trainers and themselves opportunities to share experiences and provide numerous examples of scenarios and situations that they are likely to face or have faced in their work. All in all the participants had the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and acquire/ enhance their skills in different aspects of Personal and Team security management. Two staff members from Solidar Vavuniya and Kilinochchi offices represented Solidar at this training.

redr uk conducts Secuirty Management Course in Sri Lanka

by Lasanthi de Alwis

20

Benefits of rrr project

Creation and restoration of corridors for fauna and flora

Improved biodiversity of mangrove, fish and bird populations

Prevention of soil erosion, silting, flooding, widening of banks, inflow of sea water and further destruction of mangroves

Control of undesirable flora, resulting in reduced eutrophication

Production of timber increased in a sustainable manner

Release of pressure on natural forest

Increased livelihoods in communities

Expand job opportunities

Promote ecotourism

Bamboo and riverine planting project,

Kapu Elaand Koppe Ela Bank

Open banksFood for work programme

news. April 2008 21

Benefits of rrr project

Creation and restoration of corridors for fauna and flora

Improved biodiversity of mangrove, fish and bird populations

Prevention of soil erosion, silting, flooding, widening of banks, inflow of sea water and further destruction of mangroves

Control of undesirable flora, resulting in reduced eutrophication

Production of timber increased in a sustainable manner

Release of pressure on natural forest

Increased livelihoods in communities

Expand job opportunities

Promote ecotourism

Built between 1640 and 1796, during the Dutch colonial period in Sri Lanka, the charms of Keppu Ela and Koppa Ela

extend beyond their historical significance. The two canals were constructed by traders for the purpose of shipping merchandise when road transportation was infeasible.

In addition to being an important heritage site, the canals provide irrigation to surrounding paddy fields and play an integral role in flood prevention schemes both locally and for the upstream town of Baddegama. As the closest wetland to Galle, the canals are also important for local bird life and have an undervalued tourist potential. With a diverse bird population of migrants and a few endemics, the site could be utilised as an alluring location for bird watchers.

Following the destruction of the 2004 tsunami, the District Secretary of Galle approached Rainforest Rescue International (RRI) and requested a programme to resurrect the integrity of the two canals.

A preliminary study carried out by RRI found that the canals also suffered from,

n A lack of natural resources resulting in villagers seeking out resources on government land,

n Encroachment by the community,

n Degraded riverine conditions,

n Building and land reclamation,

n Inappropriate cultivations on banks affecting water hydrology,

n Modified ecosystems (for cultivations, sand mining etc.).

Together with the support of the Central Environment Authority (CEA), Irrigation Department (ID), World Food Programme (WFP), Community Based Organisations (CBOs), local government and Solidar, the RRI formulated a multi-stakeholder programme to address the conservation and enrichment of existing flora and fauna in Kapu and Koppe Ela. The project aimed to restore and sustainably manage the two canals by replanting their associated vegetation with the participation and support of the local communities.Professionals from relevant institutions and community members residing alongside the canals were invited to partake in the initial planning of the project, taking into account perspectives and needs. The RRI conducted programmes to raise awareness and to educate communities on the importance of

maintaining their natural resources. With a fresh outlook of their environment, 295 community members (150 women, 145 men) undertook the responsibilities delegated by RRI : to plant trees on the banks of the canal and to take care of them.

As an added incentive the World Food Programme contributed dry rations to participants as part of their ‘Food for Work’ project.

A mangrove re-plantation project was implemented, taking into account the numerous requests from the tsunami-affected community settled at the mouth of the canals for a project to increase the natural protection of their lands. To accomplish the reforestation of the canal banks, RRI established community run on-site nurseries to supply bamboo, mangrove and riverine plant species to be planted by the community according to Analog Forestry principles. The plants were also protected and maintained by the natural resource conservation groups from the community. The conservation groups were involved in holding protection activities and also setting up a voluntary code of conduct to thwart hindrance by illicit encroachers.With the assistance of the government and local authorities, religious organisations, administrative authorities, landlords, local commercial enterprises, tourist sector, schools, Women’s Affairs and CBOs and Rainforest Rescue International, the community of Kapu and Koppe Ela successfully planted 10,000 trees in 3 weeks. Following this achievement, a further 250 bamboo trees are awaiting planting as an extension to this project.

principles of analog forestry

n Ecological Succession: Modelling agricultural and forestry production on the natural ecological succession of a forest and speeding up vegetal succession stages.

n Mimicking Natural Forests: Imitating the structure of a natural forest to achieve the related ecological functions (e.g. biological pest control, self-fertilising soil, watershed protection, habitat) with commercially valuable plant species.

n Landscape Ecology: Increase biodiversity resilience of landscape utilising the existing vegetation.

Filling bank for construction

Building of homes on the bank

Clearing via fires for construction

The tsunami gardeners

Just over three years after the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami hit, killing more than 30 000 people, disaster relief

efforts in Sri Lanka have moved well beyond the relief phase into the recovery and consolidation modes. On top of the wave’s deep social impact,escalating civil war is hampering aid efforts and strangling the economy, increasing life’s pressures for the many Sri Lankans trying to re-establish basic comfort.

A related curse, rampant inflation, has contributed to price rises in fuel, basic commodities and food of 120 per cent in the past two years, forcing most folk, living on just a few dollars each day, to new poverty levels. Jobs are scarce, and in the picturesque southern coastal districts which rely on an annual tourist bounty,

the visitor numbers are the lowest in 30 years because of the wave’s impact and the civil strife.

Under these conditions self-sufficiency becomes imperative. The tsunami, however, wiped out hundreds of thousands of village food gardens and significantly damaged the coastal vegetation which people relied on for basic nutrition and supplies. And so it is now, particularly, that the efforts of both international and local humanitarian aid organisations are crucial in continuing to support the traditional agrarian and fishing communities set inland from Sri Lanka’s warm, opal sea.

While many larger international aid groups have wrapped up their

primary tsunami relief work and departed, a number remain. Solidar, an international consortium of European aid organisations,1 is one that is providing committed, longer term assistance through both post-tsunami recovery and conflict resolution programs. Rebuilding basic livelihoods Solidar’s Coastal Community Rehabilitation Project (CCRP) has proved more valuable and timely than expected by contributing to reduced household expenses, food provision and income generation capacity in the southern coastal districts of Galle and Matara. In conjunction with a key implementing partner, local conservation and community services group Rainforest Rescue International (RRI)2, the multipronged program has been running since May 2005 to improve

A simple organic gardening and ecosystem restoration program is building new self-sufficiency in Sri Lankan communities striving to overcome tsunami damage and effects from the ongoing civil war.

by James porteous

This article was originally published in the ECOS magazine, Australia

More Information: www.publish.csro.au/ecos22

’ coastal livelihoods through small enterprise development, home garden rehabilitation for nutritional and financial security, and ecosystem restoration through strategic plantings.

The initiative revolves around sustainable community based organisations (CBOs), established in seven key towns, which run nursery - cum - training centres that grow and distribute a variety of food, medicinal, ornamental and utility plants for home gardens and ecosystem repair. A central cooperative guides the seven CBOs in management, agricultural training programs and involvement in broader ecosystem restoration work along affected coastal areas. Training in mushroom cultivation, floriculture, organic farming techniques and small business management is given to

selected farmers and CBO members to spread knowledge and encourage crop and income diversification. The nurseries now support the CBO capacity building process by generating revenues from sales of plants and compost, beyond their free distributions to CCRP projects. They also provide at least five regular jobs which support a number of families.

The ecological restoration element of the program aims to engage community members to rehabilitate the vital southwest coastal zone, which suffered considerable tsunami damage. The mangroves, wetlands and coral reefs of the area normally provide protection from most coastal storms and mitigate flooding. They are also vital fish breeding grounds, and produce edible plants, firewood and building materials.

New biodiversity via home gardens

Like many women, Chandra Pathmini Mullegamage lost her husband to the tsunami, and with him, her family’s main income provider. But after being selected for the CCRP’s home gardens program she now has a thriving garden that just one year after planting provides her with food, selfsufficiency and a renewed sense of purpose.

She and her daughter Saduni have become local gardening supremos – experts on making organic compost in a bin provided by RRI, and eager learners of the basic horticultural skills needed to establish a thriving mixed garden. Like most other villagers, she previously lacked the knowledge to grow a variety of useful plants successfully around her home.‘This program has been very happy luck for us,’ she explains. ‘Now we are getting a lot of vegetables and spices, and next year I should be able to sell some at the market.’ When asked about the life in her garden, Chandra says,

Yes, the butterflies and birds are coming back.

1 Based in Colombo, but with operations around the country, the Solidar INGO consortium (Sri Lanka) primarily encompasses Norwegian People’s Aid, German organisation Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) and Swiss Labour Assistance (SAH) as implementing Agencies, but is also supported by around 20 other European and international donors and partner organisations. See www. solidarsrilanka.org

2 ‘Swiss Labour Assistance’s principal donor, Swiss Solidarity, funds the CCRP programme across seven tsunami affected communities in Galle and Matara districts. As lead agency, Swiss Labour Assistance, providesboth technical and financial contributions to the project.’

‘

news. April 2008 23

Mangrove seedlings ready for sale and distribution to restoration sites

24

RRI Program Manager Benjamin Van der Auwera explains that initial mapping for appropriate plant choice and placement is a key part of the home garden’s additional role in creating a patchwork of restored local habitat for animals.

‘Our work aims to take up the dual opportunity of planting a working garden and restoring local biodiversity through matching species to the original ecosystems in the region,’ he says. ‘RRI field staff meet with the homeowners to first establish their preferred choice of plants, and then we overlay that with analogue

forestry3 to integrate an appropriate species mix that will suit the local area. We literally draw a map of what plants should grow where in the garden, and then it’s just a case of getting them in from the CCRP nursery and teaching the beneficiaries about their rearing and care.‘The homeowners can then manage things as they like,’ he says.

Specific plants for special roles

Food plants, at 45 percent, form the majority of community nursery production, followed by other

non-food local species (27 per cent), medicinal plants (14 per cent), and flowering and mangrove plants (7 per cent each). The CCRP is the only project to be growing mangroves in the country and so these are also in high demand from other organisations for other coastal zone restoration projects around Sri Lanka. The mangroves not only provide new protection against oceans and weather, they also improve vital breeding ground for fish, Sri Lanka’s staple protein source.The food plants comprise fruit trees and shrubs (mango, tomato, coconut,

eggplant, cucumber, jak fruit, passionfruit, woodapple), vegetable herbs (spices and other food additives) and green leaves (spinach and local leaves such as gotukola and katuru murunga).The non-food plants include trees for firewood, shade or hedges, palms, and soil stabilising or improving species. These are also the key plants for biodiversity and add value to cottage gardens, protection for the food species and health to the soil by fixing nitrogen and delivering compost. Parts of these usually fast-growing plants can also be used for other domestic needs such

Sri Lankan women have employment andeducation while working at Koggala Nurseryunder the Coastal Community Rehabilitation Project.

news. April 2008 25

as leaves for basket and mat weaving.

The medicinal plants, which are used in traditional ayurvedic medicine, allow people to self-medicate various ailments, reducing their expenses on Western medicine. 3 Analogue forestry involves mixed plantings of species carefully mapped to the original, local biodiversity.

Flowering plants add important visual amenity to gardens and homes. The cleanliness and beauty of a

house is very important to Sri Lankans. Since establishment, nearly 700 000 plants have been produced by the seven CBO nurseries, of which over 200 000 have so far been distributed or sold. About 4000 seedlings of mixed food and revegetation species are grown per month, and at full capacity 300 000 plants are being grown each year. Seventy-five per cent of those are available for distribution or sale within three to six months and are being readily taken up by other organisations and locals.

Re-greening the coast

By late 2007 over 60 acres of the 180 identified for coastal ecosystem rehabilitation under the CCRP were completed in five locations along the coast, with the help of communities under the World Food Programme’s food for work initiative, and local schools.Ultimately the three-year project, which is supported by Solidar consortium member Swiss Labour Assistance, aims to recreate a green belt along the coast which will

restore the soil cover, improve biodiversity, and last but not least, provide a wind barrier and shade that will allow home gardening activities to take place only metres from the coast.

RRI is again employing its experience in analogue forestry, along with methods from international organisations such as IUCN and Green Coast. A key component is the Dutch Canal Restoration Project which is focusing on the riverine habitat near Galle,

Coastal mangrove forests in the south-west which sustained tsunami damage are crucial habitat for fish breeding, supporting other local fauna and providing community materials.

The health of Sri Lanka’s coastal zone isfundamental to the communities that drawon its resources each day.

Koggala Nursery produces a range of different food, medicinal and utility plants for local residents. RRI officer MD Chand discusses orders with Benjamin Van der Auwera, Program Manager at RRI.

Charith Senanayake and Benjamin Vander Auwera are behind RRI’s active environmental restoration efforts around Sri Lanka.

by Anthony Richard

26

and planting bamboo and mangroves to assist return of the area to its pre-tsunami amenity.

Managing Director of RRI, Charith Senanayake, explains that the coastal beltrestoration is part of the organisation’s broader national conservation objectives. ‘We are aiming to create a biodiversity corridor linking the vulnerable remnants of original rainforest in the wetter south of the country,’ he says. ‘These are some of the last high endemic biodiversity areas left and the pressures on them grow. We want to make Galle the rainforest city in the south and raise the importance of working to preserve these habitat areas,’ he emphasises. Going by the success of the CCRP to date, that goal may well be achieved.

Kathrin Bergmann, Country Representative for Swiss Labour Assistance at Solidar, is delighted with the momentum and ongoing impact of the program’s home gardens and environmental rehabilitation projects.‘CCRP built on initial nursery development work under Solidar’s earlier Nutritional Security Project, and by involving 700 families selected as agricultural producers, links with our broader community recovery program,’ he said.‘RRI, with their proactive approach and successful domestic gardening and restoration work were the obvious partner for CCRP in Galle and Matara. It’s been a strong partnership with encouraging progress.’

RRI has initially been running the program’s community nurseries but management responsibility is being handed over to communities step by step via the involvement of the CBOs. There has also been important coordination with local Galle District and national government agencies, and community organisations, which see the program as a practical alternative to existing capacity building sources.

A marketing survey carried out in May last year, less than a year after the home gardens part of the CCRP commenced, underlined the strength of the program. It showed that five per cent of the project families had reached a level of self-sufficiency with their produce supply, and many said they were already able to sell excess supply to supplement their incomes.

On this evidence, the model is working fabulously.

the Solidar staff in the Vanni will tell you that living and working

in the midst of the conflict is not for the faint hearted. Due to the remarkably high stress levels endured day in and day out, it only seems natural that these people too, like the rest of the island, need to relax after a hard working week. However, the tense political situation and heightened security in the

area at present makes most forms of entertainment hard to come by.

This is where Cricket, the most passionately followed sport in Sri Lanka comes into play. As they say in Sri Lank, there’s no better entertainment than a good cricket match. Sri Lankans still talk about the 1996 World Cup victory as if it were just yesterday and runners up in the 2007

by Anthony Richard

news. April 2008 27

Cricket brings joy to the VANNI

World Cup the Sri Lankan cricket team received a hero’s welcome back home. Naturally cricket has a special place in the hearts of all Sri Lankan’s and the Solidar staff and those in the Vanni are no exception. Starved of entertainment, the staff decided to organize a cricket match. Selecting an opponent team became quite a challenge. In an attempt at team building, it was decided to invite other international

organizations to compete. Solidar collaborates with many partner organizations to implement projects in the Vanni and this bonding outside of work would foster companionship, deepen understanding and build respect between colleagues which would serve them well in the future. The first match was played on the 3rd of Feb 2008 between Solidar and the International

Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). ICRC emerged winners, celebrating with dancing and drumming seen so often at cricket matches where the national team is playing. The victory celebrations proved to be most entertaining with the spectators themselves momentarily casting their worries aside and joining in. Following the success of the inaugural match, the following weeks saw a

growth in competitors with Humanitarian De-mining Unit (HDU) and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) joining in. Solidar, may not have won all their matches, but the game of cricket certainly won the hearts of all that took part whether they were on the field or dancing and drumming in the stands.

the importance of humanitarian mine action in an emergency setting should not be

underestimated. As displaced civilian populations move through areas contaminated by mines and unexploded ordnance, particularly in new areas unfamiliar to them, they are at great risk to mine related accidents.

This is currently the situation, in the Vanni, in the north of the country where over 100,000 civilians have been displaced since August 2006 with displacement continuing unabated. In an emergency environment large scale mine clearance activities are compromised. However, other components of ‘mine action’ can and should continue. These activities include:

n mine risk education (mre) focused on internally displaced

persons (idps) relocated or moving in close proximity to mine contaminated areas

nmarking and monitoring of mine fields so that known danger

areas can be clearly identified by idps and host communities

nSmall scale but focused clearance of unexploded

ordnance and landmines in areas occupied or frequented by idps and where prioritised by the Government agent (Ga)

naccess to a mine action advisory unit where authorities, the un

and nGos can seek advice to ensure the safe implementation of other relief activities such as the safe identification of welfare centres and idp camps

The Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) Mine Action activities in the Vanni are currently suspended, pending approval from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for limited activities and access for expatriates into the region. In April 2008, the organisation remained in discussions with the National Steering Committee for Mine Action (NSCMA) to explore possible Mine Action activities that are considered appropriate. It is a sensitive process of engagement where trust and understanding of the

Perspectives on Mine Action in the Vanni

28

by Guy Rhodes and Aubrey Sutherland

humanitarian context needs to be established in facilitating a suitable mine action response.

An appropriate outcome of the current deliberation perhaps is for NPA to receive authorisation for the implementation of a reduced but effective mine action capacity in the ‘uncleared’ area of the Vanni based on the clearance plan approved by the NSCMA. This should be supported by a Mine Action advisory unit for the Government Agent and where prioritised by the GA for humanitarian agencies.

In a response to the deteriorating security situation NPA has relocated some of its resources into government controlled areas. This included the movement of a mine clearance flail machine valued at US$300,000 transported out of the Vanni with the facilitating of the authorities. This joins a similar machine that was donated by the Norwegian Government to the Humanitarian Mine Action Unit of the Sri Lanka Army which has been operational in the Batticaloa District. Under a current sub-project NPA has requested for MOD approval via the NSCMA to commence technical support to a local demining NGO;

Milinda Moragoda Institute for People’s Empowerment (MMIPE) in the districts of Anuradapura and Trincomalee as soon as possible.

Whatever the decision, it is vital to safeguard the tremendous investments of the Norwegian and Japanese governments who have provided more than US$8MN since 2003 for these activities. This will ensure that in addition to current mine action activities, resources are being put in place to begin a widespread clearance programme when the situation becomes more viable across the northern province.

NPA has cleared huge swathes of land affected by landmines in Sri Lanka and stands by ready to continue this important work and release land for safe resettlement and productive use. To date, NPA has cleared more than 30,000 landmines, 13,000 UXO and unknown items and close to 18 million square metres of minefields and battle areas in the country. This is impressive by any standard.

news. April 2008 29

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Jaffna

Kilinochchi

Mullaitivu

VavuniyaMannar

Puttalam

Gampaha

Hambantota

Colombo

Galle

Matara

Ampara

Batticaloa

Trincomalee

1. rehabilitation and development programme Ampara

2. integrated idp programme- iidpp (Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar)

3. Shelter Coordination Cell – SCC (All districts in the North/East, Puttalam and Anuradhapura)

4. Quick impact projects – Qips (Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu Trincomalee, Mannar, Ampara, Batticaloa Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Polonnaruwa)

5. mine action (Kilinochchi,Mullaitivu and Mannar)

6. Coastal Community Rehabilitation Project - CCRP (Galle and Matara)

7. health and disabilities Batticaloa, Gampaha, Hambantota

8. economic recovery and Social Development – ACCESS (Hambantota)

9. peace and Social Justice (Batticaloa)

10. Community rehabilitation and empowerment (Vavuniya and Mannar)

11. local initiatives (Matara and Trincomalee)

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SOLIDAR PROJECT

LOCATIONS 2008

Anuradhapura

Polonnaruwa

news. April 2008 31

Principle Donors of the Consortium

Other Solidar member organizations who fund the consortium in Sri Lanka or provide technical assistance to Solidar projects

Alliances and Implementing Partnerships With UN Agencies

Other donors (Past and Present)

La ligueSolidariteSocialiste

FOS Volkshilfe

Apheda

UN HABITAT

SolidaritéLaique

Progetto Sviluppo

Awo

IOM International Organization

for Migration

Solidar Donors, partners and Alliances( past and present)

Canadian High Commission Haut-commissariat du Canada

The Netherlands Embassy

GUIDING PRINCIPLES for Humanitarian and Development Assistance in Sri Lanka

Guided by international human rights law, international humanitarian law, Sri Lankan laws and all applicable international standards, the undersigned have reaffirmed the following Guiding Principles to be able to implement effective Humanitarian and Development assistance in Sri Lanka. The undersigned endeavor that their staff and their implementing partners (I/NGOs, UN, Red Cross, etc.) adhere to the following 10 principles to the extent permitted under applicable law: 1. Objective of Humanitarian and Development Assistance: We are working together to contribute to

improvements in the quality of life of the people in Sri Lanka. Our assistance focuses on alleviating suffering, eradicating poverty, enabling communities to become self-sufficient and supporting an inclusive peaceful solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka.

2. Non-discrimination: We provide assistance solely based on identified needs, regardless of location,

ethnicity, gender, social status or religion. 3. Impartiality: We will remain impartial and we do not accept our assistance, supplies, vehicles, facilities or

equipment to be used for any military, political or sectarian purposes. 4. Respect of human dignity: We request the respect for International Humanitarian Law and International

Human Rights Law. We work in response to the expressed wishes of local communities, and we respect the dignity of people, their culture, religion and customs.

5. Transparency and accountability: We are accountable to those whom we seek to assist. We ensure that

our assistance is transparent. We will not tolerate any corruption, theft or misuse of development or humanitarian supplies or equipment.

6. Sustainability and preparedness: We tailor our activities to local circumstances and aim to enhance locally

available resources. We strengthen local capacities (civil society, business community, local authorities, etc) to address current needs and to prevent or prepare for future emergencies.

7. Consultation and participation: We seek to involve communities in the design, planning, management,

implementation and evaluation of programmes implemented for their benefit. 8. Coordination: We coordinate our activities with government and all relevant stakeholders at every level. 9. Access: We request as a basic requirement, unrestricted access to all people in need of assistance. We

expect relevant authorities to expedite the accreditation of staff and the customs clearance of humanitarian goods and services.

10. Security and safety: We request all parties concerned to protect and promote the safety, security and

freedom of the agencies and their staff. We do not accept staff to be subjected to violence, abduction, harassment or intimidation. Our vehicles should not be used to transport persons or goods that have no connections with our work.

Notes: - We seek to ensure our actions are consistent with the Principles of the International NGOs and Red Cross/Crescent Movement’s Code of Conduct. For more information, please consult http://www.ifrc.org/publicat/conduct/code.asp - These Guiding Principles are neither an international treaty nor a legally binding instrument.

British High CommissionEmbassy of Sweden

European Commission

The United States Embassy United Nations

Embassy of Japan

Guided by international human rights law, international humanitarian

law, Sri Lankan laws and all applicable international standards, the undersigned have reaffirmed the following Guiding Principles to be able to implement effective Humanitarian and Development assistance in Sri Lanka. The undersigned endeavor that their staff and their implementing partners (I/NGOs, UN, Red Cross, etc.) adhere to the following 10 principles to the extent permitted under applicable law:

1. Objective of Humanitarian and Development Assistance: We are working together to

contribute to improvements in the quality of life of the people in Sri Lanka. Our assistance focuses on alleviating suffering, eradicating poverty, enabling communities to become self-sufficient and supporting an inclusive peaceful solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka.

2. Non-discrimination: We provide assistance solely based on identified needs,

regardless of location, ethnicity, gender, social status or religion.

3. Impartiality: We will remain impartial and we do not accept our assistance,

supplies, vehicles, facilities or equipment to be used for any military, political or sectarian purposes.

4. Respect of human dignity: We request the respect for International Humanitarian

Law and International Human Rights Law. We work in response to the expressed wishes of local communities, and we respect the dignity of people, their culture, religion and customs.

5. Transparency and accountability: We are accountable to those whom

we seek to assist. We ensure that our assistance is transparent. We will not tolerate any corruption, theft or misuse of development or humanitarian supplies or equipment.

6. Sustainability and preparedness: We tailor our activities to local

circumstances and aim to enhance locally available resources. We strengthen local capacities (civil society, business community, local authorities, etc) to address current needs and to prevent or prepare for future emergencies.

7. Consultation and participation: We seek to involve communities in the

design, planning, management, implementation and evaluation of programmes implemented for their benefit.

8. Coordination: We coordinate our activities with government and all relevant

stakeholders at every level.

9. Access: We request as a basic requirement, unrestricted access to all

people in need of assistance. We expect relevant authorities to expedite the accreditation of staff and the customs clearance of humanitariangoods and services.

10. Security and safety: We request all parties concerned to protect

and promote the safety, security and freedom of the agencies and their staff. We do not accept staff to be subjected to violence, abduction,

harassment or intimidation. Our vehicles should not be used to transport persons or goods that have no connections with our work.

Notes: - We seek to ensure our actions are consistent with the Principles of the International NGOs and Red Cross/Crescent Movement’sCode of Conduct. For more information, please consult http://www.ifrc.org/publicat/conduct/code.asp -

These Guiding Principles are neither an international treaty nor a legally binding instrument.

GUIDING PRINCIPLESfor Humanitarian and Development

Assistance in Sri Lanka