Former Foes Restore War-torn Sri Lankan Infrastructure and Livelihood Together

Abstract

Sri Lanka’s 26-year civil war—coupled with droughts and floods—destroyed physical and economic infrastructure, resulting in poverty, starvation, and unemployment. Post-conflict emergency assistance focused on rebuilding roads and canals, training people, re-establishing livelihood, and encouraging savings. Tapping internally displaced people for the interventions facilitated their integration into the community, built their financial and livelihood skills, and increased their sense of empowerment.