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【Sri Lanka-6】The Reality of Returning Refugees
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Habitat Japan has been building houses in the village of Neelasenai in the city of Mannar, northern Sri Lanka. We talked to some of the homeowners who have returned from lomg-term evacuation during the civil war, they shared with us some of their misfortunes and things they experienced. Needless to say, those stories left quite an impression.
The Sri Lankan Civil War escalated from 1983 and many people were forced to leave their homes in the northern province as its frontline. Most people from Neelasenai GN area too escaped thier premises around in 1990 and lived as refugees in churches and prisons, and some fleeing to refugee camps in India.
Many returnees are still haunted by memories of the events that happened during the war.
The Neekilans returned to Neelasenai last June. Before the war, they owned the largest house in the village. However, because the size made it desirable for military forces to use as a a military base, it was occupied. Bullet-riddled ruins are all that remain of thier house today. And some may call Neekilan lucky; other people sustained permanent physical injuries. A woman named Sarmila was shot in the left arm by rebel forces. She is unable to lift even the lightest of objects, and her right arm bears a deep scar, a constant reminder of a painful wound.
Habitat will continue to work for a "A world where everyone has a decent place to live."
◆Related articles/reports
2011.06.18 Building Hope Myself: Sweat Equity in Sri Lanka
2011.05.27 [Staff Letter-1]Is An Elephant Scary !? The Wild life in Sri Lanka
2011.05.20 Reassessment for Upgraded Shelter Kits
2011.05.16 Home Owner Selection to House the Refugees
2011.05.10 Shelter Kits Distribution to Save the Flood Victims
2011.04.18 Habitat Japan to Start Two Humanitarian Reliefs
