MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (April 30, 2009) — World Vision is urging Canadians to seize an opportunity to help Sri Lanka meet the critical needs of at least 60,000 child survivors of war, as a major influx of children and their families from the conflict zone pushes displaced persons camps beyond capacity.

World Vision Sri Lanka National Director Suresh Bartlett, who recently returned from visiting camps in the North, said he was deeply troubled about the impact of the war on children, and was worried that the global financial crisis and swine pandemic are taking the world’s attention away from meeting these urgent needs.

“It is almost impossible to understand what these children have been through. Can you imagine what it must be like to see your friends, brothers and sisters killed, to live in fear of the blasts and gunshots, to see your parents terrified and to go without meals and water for days on end?

“There are almost 200,000 survivors in the camps in the North who have survived a most brutal experience after being trapped in a conflict zone for weeks. At least 60,000 children are among them,” said Bartlett.

World Vision is already meeting the needs of 10,000 families with assistance, including water, supplementary foods, and shelter. It is also setting up specials tents where children can learn, play and escape for a few hours from the reality of life around them. However, much more is required by all international aid agencies to meet the needs of those displaced. The camps are overflowing and the government is asking for assistance from the aid community.

“I am extremely concerned that if we don’t seize this opportunity to help the conflict survivors, especially the children, who are suffering from this long-running conflict, they will remain scarred not just by their memories but also by ongoing poverty. It is critical that we urgently commit funds to meet their needs. This will not only help to bring healing but also create an environment for peace and reconciliation,” said Bartlett.

World Vision is continuing to call on Canada to support the government of Sri Lanka in taking immediate steps to outline a durable peace process and plan that addresses the root causes of the conflict, that works to empower communities and local governance, and that helps restore basic services and critical infrastructure.

World Vision donors support more than 61,577 children in Sri Lanka, including 17,500 children sponsored by Canadians. Sponsored children are not in the conflict zone. World Vision began working in Sri Lanka in 1977.

World Vision is accepting donations to help those affected by the conflict. Those wishing to help can visit WorldVision.ca or call 1-800-268-5528.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.


To interview World Vision staff, please contact:

Yoko Kobayashi
905-565-6200 ext. 2151
416-671-0086 (cell)
yoko_kobayashi@WorldVision.ca

Alex Sancton
905-565-6200 ext. 3979
416-419-1321 (cell)
alex_sancton@WorldVision.ca