Based on government and independent assessments, we understand the worst tsunami destruction is concentrated in two districts: Batticaloa and Ampara - a region which is a mixture of Singhalese, Tamil and Muslim residents. These districts are very poorly served by the government and International NGO’s and has largely been ignored by the media. Much of the focus of international aid has negelected this region for a variety of resons:

• The remoteness of the region - because of damaged roads it takes 8 - 10 hours to reach from Colombo

• Civil unrest between the government and LTTE in the North and Northeast

• The region’s lack of strong, effective representation in the central government

• The limited presence of tourism in this area.

Additionally, at least 15,266 people were injured by the tsunami in Sri Lanka. Many are dying of injuries - of these, many will never be able to work again.

On the east coast 111,681 homes were destroyed in the tsunami. 161 schools were lost or damaged and 24 hospitals were also lost or damaged. Thousands of Sri Lankan children are now orphans and for community members who have taken these children in, they now face yet another economic hardship.

The numbers above are based on the census - actual numbers are estimated to be three times higher.

One key sector affected by the tsunami are the fishing villages in Batticaloa and Ampara. 2,510 of the 2,952 fishing boats in Batticaloa are lost. In three districts, including Ampara, entire fleets are gone. According to the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, the tsunami is responsible for the following:

• swallowed roughly half of Sri Lanka’s fishing fleet - over 15,000 boats;

• damaged 10 out of 12 of the country’s fishing boats;

• killed nearly 7,500 fisherman;

• affected nearly 80% of its 172,000 active fisherman;

• impacted 100,000 individuals working in fishing related sectors.

Since fish makes up roughly 60% of the protein Sri Lankans consume, the impact of the tsunami is twofold; threatening a healthy, sustainable food source and destroying the livelihoods of families all along the shoreline.