Stories of IDP's - Caritas Sri Lanka

Stories of IDP's

Balasingam’ Story

Balasingam who is 65 years old is originally from Jaffna – Myliddy. He was displaced in 1990 and lived in Chunnakam till 1995. After the major military operation in Jaffna he and his family settled in Alampil – Ramasamy Thottam in 1996. He was involved in fishing. He has lost his wife and is living with his daughter’s family. Due to the bombing and heavy shellings he has been displaced and now he is living in Mullaithivu. Caritas HUDEC is providing them dry rations. He expressed the view that he wants to live in peace and move back to his original place of birth in Jaffna as soon as possible.

Story of Kamalani

Kamalani, age 36 lost her left hand while working for the LTTE. She has worked in the party for six years in the intelligence wing. She is married and has two small children. Her husband is a cook working in the LTTE camp. She is originally from Adampan in the Mannar District and they were displaced in the year 2002 and have been shifting to various places. After the escalation of violence they were displaced and ended up in Periyamadhu. At the moment they are facing many difficulties. She owns a grocery shop and gets a small income to maintain her family. “ Mannar Valvuthayam is the only organization which is providing dry rations to us, “says Kamalani. Her expectation is to live in peace and to resettle back in their place of origin.

Story of Mrs. Sivalogini

Mrs. Sivalogini is 45 years old and is living with her husband and daughter. They are originally from Thampanai close to Madhu and their main occupation was farming. Due to the continuous escalation of violence Mrs. Sivalogini was displaced from Thampanai three years ago. Thereafter they have been displaced from one place to another including the Madu Shrine area. Her husband is not as strong and healthy as he used to be.

Mrs. Sivalogini has two daughters. One has joined the LTTE, without her own consent and consent of her parents and the other is living with her. She is continuing her studies in the village school amidst heavy shelling and bombing. At the moment they face many difficulties. World Vision had provided them with a temporary shelter and Caritas Valvuthayam Mannar is providing them with dry food items once a month. They have also opened up a small boutique with the money they saved. Mrs. Sivalogini is also involved in selling palmairah products as an extra source of income for their family.