Some Insights from three Conflict Affected Districts in Sri Lanka
By Dr. Sepali Kottegoda

In May 2003, when a Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) had been signed between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies prepared “The Assessment of Needs in the Conflict Affected Areas” which highlighted immediate and long-term actions required in post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation programmes. The assessment addressed some mainstream gender concerns as well as needs of “vulnerable” groups. These vulnerable groups were identified as Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) and returnees, children, single headed households and widows, women exposed to physical and sexual abuse and exploitation, the disabled, elderly and isolated.