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For the past 30 years, Oxfam Australia has been working with Sri Lankan communities to build peace, develop sustainable livelihoods and stand up for the rights of women and marginalised groups. We are also helping people to rebuild their lives after the devastating tsunami in 2004.
Our focus
We work in Hambantota, Ampara, Batticaloa, Kegalle, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts in the following program areas:
Sustainable livelihoods
We are working to ensure poor and marginalised men and women – particularly landless small holder farmers and artisans – have access to enough food throughout the year through a range of agricultural initiatives. These include SRI rice cultivation, organic farming, vegetable cultivation, water tank rehabilitation, and home gardens. We are also helping people – particularly poor women – to set up profitable small businesses.
Gender equality
We promote gender equality by advocating for equal wages, promoting women’s leadership and strengthening women’s organisations. We work to reduce all forms of violence against women by providing rights awareness, legal aid, community support, and drop-in shelters. We also train men to become advocates for women’s rights.
Emergencies
April 2009 – Heavy fighting between Government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has displaced an estimated 250,000 people, and thousands of civilian lives are being lost. Oxfam is responding to the emergency by providing safe water and hygiene facilities, and emergency shelter for those in need of it. Find out more
The 2004 tsunami caused major devastation throughout the country, with 38,940 dead and missing, 443,000 displaced and about $1.5 billion worth of property damaged. Our tsunami relief and rehabilitation program supports more than 10,000 families with livelihood programs, shelter reconstruction, public health promotion, disaster preparedness and strengthening of community structures. Find out more
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Stories & photos
Helping gardens grow
Environmentally friendly home gardens are helping poor families in Sri Lanka grow more food to eat and earn an income.
The business of being equal
Marginalised women in Sri Lanka are gaining the skills and confidence to bring about big changes in their lives.
Working in a war zone
Sri Lanka has been ravaged by a tsunami, entrenched poverty and war. Oxfam's Danielle Roubin examines the challenges and complexities of aid work in a war zone.
Forging the ties that bind
Trade unions and activist organisations in Sri Lanka have traditionally considered one another competitors for limited funds. But recently the two groups have come together to fight for fairer conditions for workers.