Tsunami Relief Hampered by Militia Violence
Clashes between militia groups and government forces could halt tsunami recovery in eastern Sri Lanka.
Clashes between militia groups and government forces could halt tsunami recovery and reconstruction efforts in eastern Sri Lanka, according to Christian Aid.
Following the killing of three Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres on July 9, Christian Aid staff have reported intermittent gunfire and explosions in and around Trincomalee on the east coast of the island.
Trincomalee was severely hit by the tsunami. Many died and tens of thousands were left homeless. A significant number of people continue to live in temporary shelters.
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Attacks last Thursday involving militia groups with navy personnel has forced a number of civilians to flee into the jungle for safety, according to Christian Aid, which reports that is just one of many violent incidents occurring in the are in the past days.
"It would be a tragedy if people who have already lost their homes in the tsunami are now again being forced from their temporary shelters due to fear of fighting in the area," said Nick Guttman, head of Christian Aid's humanitarian division.
Continuing violence will make the process of rebuilding homes for tsunami victims very dangerous. Trincomalee is not only suffering from the recent tsunami, it has been through twenty years of battles between the LTTE and the government. The LTTE has previously wanted to have its own country.
"If violence spreads it will not only heopardize essential rebuilding work, it will further increase the chronic pverty that already exists in many parts of post-conflict Sri Lanka. War exacerbates poverty," he added.
