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During the last two weeks we have heard surprising reports about the West coast, where bodies were still being discovered. Just one hour south of Colombo in Moratuwa and Panadora people are living in horrendous conditions. The Government has refused permission from a number of NGOs to operate in this area. In one camp dubbed “Alley camp” by Impact Aid,over 300 people live in five school rooms, at night its too cramped to roll over. In Panadora, we found an 8 year old girl sleeping on railway sleepers between the tracks.

Working alongside Impact Aid, Aid Sri Lanka has taken on a sanitation and camp maintenance roll. The first step was the provision of 80 dustbins for the 15 camps. Previously the food was discarded haphazardly and mounds of rotting rice lay feet away from sleeping quarters and washing facilities. Together with the local government who run a refuse collection programme we are confident this will significantly reduce the risk of disease.

In addition we have started more cash for work schemes, filling in temporary latrines that have remained uncovered and unused for 6 weeks. Clearing ground for a new marquee to depopulate one camp, and thus significantly reduce the chances of an epidemic should there be a disease outbreak. We have also sealed and covered a disused well that contained 5m of rotting food stuffs and other waste, thus preventing mosquito breeding and spread of disease.

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