Caritas gives helping hand in strife-torn Sri Lanka
(May 16, 2009) After the visit of the Catholic Bishops to Vavuniya on 13th March
2009 to meet the displaced people in the camps, Caritas Sri Lanka - SEDEC has been
coordinating with the government in supplying dry rations, food items, non-food items,
clothes and other basic items requested from the government for the people and children
in the camps. The Director of Caritas Sri Lanka-SEDEC, Rev. Fr. Damian said that
there are four camps in Vavunia area set up by the government for the people to find
shelter and at present the agency meets the basic needs of 12,831 individuals." He
added that there are 12 camps for the displaced people and for those who have come
to the government controlled areas and they are given complementary foods and Non
food items. The representatives of the Catholic Bishops Conference and the Sri Lanka
Caritas officials accompanied by the G.A. Vavuniya, Mrs. P.M.S. Charles and Major
General L.C. Perera visited the displaced people in Vavuniya on 11th March 2009. Bishops
had assured them that they will take up the issues faced by them with the relevant
authorities including the President. In the discussion held with the President Mahinda
Rajapakshe, the Catholic Bishops assured the government the assistance and support
of the Catholic Church in the relief and rehabilitation work in Vanni and North.