Oxfam's relationship with Sri Lanka extends as far back as 1968. From then until the early 1980's, projects and partner organisations were supported from Oxford, Bangkok and India.

In 1986, a country office was established in Colombo to focus on the extreme poverty suffered by those who are internally displaced and others directly affected by the ethnic conflict. Projects ensured that basic water and sanitation needs were fulfilled, access was given to sustainable livelihoods, rights of the women were protected and different ethnic communities were mobilised for peaceful coexistence and development.

The tsunami of 26 December 2004 brought about massive destruction. People lost their villages, homes, livelihoods and loved ones in minutes. Immediate interventions were necessary and Oxfam GB swung into action to address these emergency issues. Addressing water and sanitation, public health, livelihood, shelter and gender needs in the districts of Matara, Hambantota, Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Vavuniya and Killinochchi. Oxfam GB works through over 50 local partner orgnisations to implement its programmes.

Oxfam's work in Sri Lanka

Oxfam's work in Sri Lanka covers four main areas:

• tsunami-response programme
• long-term development
• humanitarian
• campaigning

Last updated: September 06