Sri Lanka
HI implemented its first project in Sri Lanka almost thirty years ago, focusing on training rehabilitation professionals.
In the wake of the 2004 tsunami, HI set up rehabilitation centers in Sri Lanka. Since 2015, HI shifted its action to address reconciliation issues, including transitional justice and reducing inequalities via inclusive economic development programming.
Women at a group mobilization session. Sri Lanka - Humanity & Inclusion | © HI
Our actions
Humanity & Inclusion's teams took rapid and effective action immediately after the 2004 tsunami hit Sri Lanka. The organization, which has been working in the country since 1992, provides support to people with disabilities and other populations experiencing hardship through inclusive employment and community social inclusion projects.
HI has also trained civil society organizations to provide people with disabilities and women with job opportunities.
HI supports health facilities and their staff to provide quality treatment to children born with clubfoot.
The organization is currently working on several projects that will focus not only on rehabilitation for children with disabilities but also on economic inclusion, resilience to climate change and disaster risk reduction for 2024.
Areas of intervention
Latest stories
Community event recognizes importance of early treatment for clubfoot
June 3 is World Clubfoot Day, commemorating the birthday of Dr. Ignacio Ponseti, who developed the widely used method for treating clubfoot in young children.
Improving the livelihoods of the most vulnerable people
HI promotes the inclusive employment of the most vulnerable individuals in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka: giving women a voice
Following years of conflict in Sri Lanka, HI implemented a project with the support of the US Department of State to increase the involvement of women, especially women with disabilities, in the country’s reconciliation process.
a life
Background
Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a macro-economic crisis.
The war which consumed the north of the country lasted for nearly 30 years (1983 - 2009) and caused more than 60,000 deaths. Thousands of people were injured, of whom many were left with disabilities and many sustained their injuries from shells or anti-personnel landmines. Some 390,000 people were displaced by the conflict during the civil war.
The 2004 tsunami caused widespread physical and social damage. The disaster killed more than 40,000 people and left over 250,000 unhoused. In recent years, flooding forced more than 400,000 to flee their homes in 2008 and a further 300,000 in 2010.
Now, Sri Lanka faces a serious political and economic crisis that impoverishes a large part of the population. The United Nations has launched a humanitarian action plan to provide emergency food and livelihood assistance, among others, to 30% of the population.
Number of HI staff members: 9
Date the program opened: 1992
