The conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Tamil Eelam) ended after almost 25 years in May 2009. The conflict resulted in large-scale multiple displacement throughout the north and east of the country. The six northeast districts (Mannar, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, and Jaffna) have been particularly affected by the conflict. On top of the conflict, the coastal areas of three of the districts were hit by the 2004 tsunami disaster, which created further destruction of personal property and public infrastructure, and forced more people to leave their homes.

Emergency response
In the final phase of the conflict (January – May 2009), the whole population of the Vanni  – approximately 300,000 persons – moved in phases from the conflict-zone to transit camps for Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Mannar and Jaffna. As a consequence, DRC has re-directed a major part of its operation from reconstruction and support to durable solutions to emergency response interventions, primarily distribution of Food and Non-Food items The government announced in mid 2009 that the majority of the IDPs in these camps would be resettled before the end of the year. As of the beginning of September, only a relatively small percentage of the IDPs had left the camps. DRC promotes and advocates for durable solutions (voluntary and informed return or relocation) for the IDPs as soon as possible, and for freedom of movement for the IDPs remaining in the camps.

Protection of IDPs and returnees
The DRC seeks to strengthen IDP and returnee communities’ awareness of their human rights and to support the realisation of these rights. We facilitate training and capacity building to government, community representatives and other duty-bearers on protection related topics; facilitate civil documentation services and community mobilization; carry out IDP profiling and protection monitoring in camp, host community and returnee locations; support the coordination of humanitarian information; and provide material protection and psycho-social support to individuals at risk.

Integrated livelihood and reconstruction/rehabilitation
Although DRC’s revised strategy now encompasses relief activities aimed at the recently displaced, DRC continues to work to promote durable solutions for IDPs and returning refugees. Thus we support the return and (re)-establishment of sustainable livelihoods for IDP & returnee families by using a flexible integrated assistance package of basic infrastructure, productive livelihoods support, community mobilisation and capacity development.

DDG – demining and mine education
The Danish Refugee Council is also involved in demining activities in Sri Lanka under the name Danish Demining Group (DDG). The aim is to reduce the number of civilian landmine casualties and to secure the delivery of emergency aid.

Partners and donors
In Sri Lanka, DRC currently employs some 108 national staff and 8 expatriates. We cooperate with a wide range of partners, including the UN and other international organisations and NGOs working in the country.

Donors for DRC in Sri Lanka include Danida, European Commission, ECHO and UNHCR.