Conflict between the Sri Lankan government army and the Tamil Tigers resulted in around 200 persons killed and more than 500 injured, while more than 60,000 people fled their homes. 

Islamic Relief team visited Kanthale area with relief goods for the displaced population and distributed them in partnership with Jammiathul Ulama Association.

The IR team agreed to provide 100 tents and other household items for the displaced people in Muttur and Thoppur.

As a result, more than 200 people were killed and another 500 injured. More than 60,000 people fled the fighting and settled in Kanthale, Thampalakamam and Kinniya divisions. There are more than 71 refugee camps, while many others are staying with relatives.

Hundred of families were still living on road sides, river banks and public places without any facilities weeks after the fighting.

There are reported outbreaks of diarrhoea, malaria and malnutrition especially amongst the young and elderly.  Respiratory illnesses are also on the increase because of the dusty atmosphere in the camp sites.

Extensive damage has been inflicted on schools, hospitals, banks and homes.

Project Objectives         

• To provide the needy and those displaced by the war with assistance.

Project Activities

• Coordination with Disaster Management Coordinating Centre, local authorities, local aid agencies and community based organisations to analyse the situation and collect information;
• To provide tents, sanitation and other commodities for the displaced population;
• To manage and maintain one refugee site which holds 300 to 350 families

"Islamic Relief is striving for a fairer world. Our mission is to help the poor and needy to live sustainable, self-reliant lives within safe and caring communities. Our work is guided and shaped by the core values of accountability, humanitarianism, neutrality and impartiality, inclusiveness, integrity and co-operation, all of which are also integral to the Islamic faith."
Dr Hany El Banna - Founder of Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief was established in 1984 and our unique approach is the result of these many years of hands-on experience.

1. Where possible we adopt a community partnership-based approach; encouraging community involvement, understanding and ownership of projects.
2. We run the majority of our field projects ourselves, giving us direct insight into the problems faced and how best to solve them.
3. We aim to empower those we help in order to achieve sustainable results.
4. Though our emergency response teams are quick to respond to emergencies around the world, we continue to support communities long after the initial media interest has died down.
5. We recruit staff locally to benefit from their local knowledge. This ensures that we are culturally sensitive and allows us to reach communities and areas other organisations cannot.
6. Where necessary we coordinate our work with other reputable aid agencies, local organisations and governments.

Millennium Development Goals

Islamic Relief is committed to the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which have been agreed by the world’s leading development institutions in an effort to meet the needs of the world’s poorest by the year 2015. 

The goals:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development

For more information about the MDGs, please visit: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/