The children of Sri Lanka have been traumatized by more than two decades of armed conflict. The conflict, between Government of Sri Lanka forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and other armed groups, has resulted in more than 67,000 civilian victims and inflicted a terrible price on the population of Sri Lanka. Compounding an already devastating situation was 2004’s Asian Tsunami, which wiped out villages and schools.

War Child has responded to the needs of Sri Lanka’s children by supporting projects that provide psychosocial and educational support. Together with our local partners we are reconstructing schools destroyed by the tsunami and providing peace building for multi-ethnic communities in Batticaloa and Ampara Districts. Our innovative projects are improving the well-being of children and providing them with much needed educational opportunities.

War Child is implementing successful psychosocial programs for conflict affected children from Tamil and Muslim villages. Through art, drama and music, in addition to conventional schooling, qualified child educators are helping to support the healthy psychosocial development of children and youth. War Child is providing a fun and safe environment for the children of Sri Lanka: an oasis of hope. Children are given the chance to express experiences with conflict in a safe and healthy environment. War Child is helping these children overcome the fear and isolation associated with growing up surrounded by conflict.

War Child’s work in Sri Lanka also focuses on pre-school education and peace-building in “border villages” which are communities split along ethnic lines, Muslim and Tamil. 2004’s catastrophic tsunami completely destroyed 2 of the 9 pre-schools supported by War Child. Since then, we have successfully rebuilt these pre-schools, allowing young children to access quality education. Within the border villages, War Child has successfully brought different communities closer together through peacebuilding activities. Parent meetings, village council meetings, sports meets, exchange visits, art competitions, short story competitions and other special events are just some examples of the peace initiatives supported by War Child.

War Child’s partners in Sri Lanka are some of the most respected organizations in the country. Together, we are giving children the skills required to engage with others from different backgrounds with tolerance and respect. By encouraging an environment of diversity and tolerance, War Child is providing children with a safe and protected space in which to enjoy their childhood.

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