Much of Sri Lanka's coastline was devastated by the tsunami. The waves flooded and destroyed villages killing more than 36,000 people and leaving 550,000 homeless. In the first month, World Vision reached 276,000 people in 12 districts with food, survival items, medicine, clothing, health care, clean water, and sanitation facilities.

As efforts to rebuild and recover begin, World Vision is planning long-term projects in nine districts across the country that will focus on health, shelter, trauma counselling, water, and sanitation. In total, 156 staff members and 250 volunteers are supporting the effort.

Relief staff have constructed latrines and installed water purification units at camps for internally displaced people. In addition, around 1.5 million water purification sachets and 25,000 buckets have been distributed to 25,000 families in Batticolao.

Child Friendly Spaces have been established in Ampara and Galle. A school-feeding program in Galle is providing meals to 50,000 children and staff members have distributed school bags to children in Trincomalee district.

In the coming months, World Vision plans to help rebuild schools and other damaged infrastructure, including housing. Economic recovery programs will support people as they seek to re-start small businesses.

Last updated February 11, 2005.