Colombo – IOM is appealing for USD 7.4 million to provide additional logistical support to the ongoing humanitarian operation, shelter, sanitation and early recovery assistance to hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the North and East of the country.

The appeal, part of the Sri Lanka Common Humanitarian Plan (CHAP), aims to raise a total of USD 155 million to provide humanitarian aid for up to 433,000 people in 2009.

Building on IOM's extended field presence, in coordination with the Sri Lankan government and in close cooperation with the World Food Programme (WFP) and other UN partners, IOM plans to put in place an efficient, cost-effective network for the transportation of relief items to IDPs, including food and non-food items, such as medical supplies and reconstruction materials.

The appeal aims to improve the living conditions of IDPs and host communities through the distribution of emergency shelter kits, preparation of emergency shelter sites and construction of emergency shelters in line with international standards.

In partnership with government agencies, local partners and NGOs, IOM intends to improve access to adequate water and sanitation facilities and to implement hygiene awareness campaigns to reduce the risk of water-borne diseases.

IOM also plans to support immediate income-generating activities for conflict-affected communities by supporting beneficiaries to help them engage in agriculture, livestock and fisheries activities.

Through its Colombo office and sub offices in Mannar, Jaffna and Vavuniya, IOM is also well positioned to provide immediate assistance to IDPs coming out of the conflict zone. IOM is a member of the UN Country Team and a member of all the main Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) emergency cluster groups.

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For further information, please contact: Mohammed Abdiker, IOM Sri Lanka, Tel: +94 11532 53 00, E-mail: mabdiker@iom.int