The International Organization for Migration (IOM) works to encourage social and economic development through migration, and remains committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.

IOM in Sri Lanka works in close partnership with national and local government institutions, non-governmental agencies, grass-roots, community organizations and the donor community, to assist national entities to address pressing and complex challenges in migration management, to respond to the needs created by humanitarian emergencies in the country and to ensure improved living conditions for vulnerable communities.

EU and IOM Provide a New Water Supply System to the Community of Ihalagama in Ampara

The European Union (EU), through its implementing partner the International Organization for Migration (IOM), provides a new water supply system for the community of Ihalagama, in the Ampara district under its Community Livelihood Support Programme.

The water supply system includes a water tank with a capacity of 60,000 liters and a pipeline supply system providing water for a distance of 11.6 km from Medagama to Ihalagama. Read More…

Netherlands Backs IOM Programmes to Help Displaced Return Home, Reintegrate Former Combatants

The Netherlands has pledged EUR 2 million (LKR 277,820,000) to support two IOM programmes that are helping internally displaced people (IDPs) to return home and reintegrating former LTTE Tamil Tiger combatants into civil society.

The contribution of EUR 1 million to each programme will allow IOM to continue to help families to return to their home areas in the north and east of the country from Menik Farm and other displacement camps in Vavuniya. IOM has already moved over 190,000 IDPs from the Vavuniya camps, but some 55,000 remain.

The government wants them all to return to their home areas by the end of August. The Dutch money will also go towards IOM provision of emergency shelter, transitional homes, water and sanitation and job creation in the communities to which the IDPs are returning. Read More…

Australia Funds IOM Efforts to Rebuild Economy, Communities in Northern and Central Provinces

The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has pledged AUD 3.3 million (nearly US$3 million) over three years to support IOM’s efforts to generate the sustainable return and socio-economic reintegration of internally displaced people in the north and vulnerable communities affected by landslides in the centre of Sri Lanka.

The project, which is the 3^rd Phase of IOM’s Australian Community Rehabilitation Programme (ACRP) launched in 2006, will work with local government and other institutions at the local level to improve access to jobs and services for impoverished and vulnerable communities.

The programme will provide grants to help communities to rebuild their livelihoods and develop skills through training. It will provide tools and equipment, mobilize people and rehabilitate community assets such as markets, irrigation systems, access roads and other infrastructure. Read more…