In aid of those affected by drought in Sri Lanka, Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) headquarters in Japan responded through Asia Pacific Alliance – Sri Lanka National Platform in providing 30,000 USD. Members of APA-Sri Lanka supplemented funding and assisted with resources and networks. Government officials including the district/divisional secretaries, disaster management coordinating officers, grama-niladhari officials and communities supported the effort.

Beneficiaries

Districts of Hambantota, Mullaitivu and Pollannaruwa were selected, based on the need and direct requests by local government authorities. An immediate assessment was carried out on ground in consultation with government authorities, responding agencies and the communities. Following assistances were prioritized;

• Provision of 1000 liter water tanks for water collection points for communities.
• Provision of 500 quantities of 70 liter buckets for individual families to store water.
• Distribution of 2 Week ration packs for 1000 families.

Whilst government had provided water bowsers and storage tanks, a dearth in water tanks to increase water points were observed. Polonnaruwa had sufficient water points but had shortage of water storing capacity in individual homes. Mullaitivu and Hambantota districts required to increase water points through 1000 liter water tanks.

In addition to water, food security in drought affected areas is serious. The long spell of drought has affected livelihood of many farming families and burdened with debts. Arrangements have been made by government and agencies in providing rations to selected families but were unable to cope with the increase in families affected by drought. Needs for ration packs in Hambantota and Mullaitivu districts were priority since beneficiaries selected were those families who had little or no support from head of households. The old and women led households who were unable to gain assistance from ‘food for work’ project launched by other agencies were prioritized. Beneficiary list provided by local government and DMC coordinators were verified and endorsed by CHA.

Execution

APA-Sri Lanka Platform members were designated with the following supplies;

• 1000 liter Water tanks – Quantity 40
• 70/50 liters Water Buckets – Quantity 500
• Ration Packs – 1000 packs

CHA checked prices of items through suppliers and discussed rates with private sector members in the platform who were capable of supplying and delivering above emergency items. Platform members provided the best rate in providing discounts and also delivering items to locations free of charge which was their CSR contribution to the effort. Payments were agreed to be done in Colombo easing financial transactions and administration even further.

Water Storage Tanks

District Secretary of Mullaitivu and Divisional Secretaries of Lunugamvehera and Sooriyawewa (Hambantota district) requested urgent assistance in the supply of 1000 liter water storage tanks to complement government allocations of storage tanks so that more population could have access to water without trekking longer distances. Allocation of 1000 liter water tanks were as follows;

Mullaitivu (total 20 tanks)

– Oddusuddan 10 tanks
– Mullaitivu 10 tanks

Hambantota (Total 20 tanks)

– Lunugamvehera 10 tanks
– Sooriyawewa 10 tanks

CHA negotiated with Arpico Richard Pieris and Company PLC in providing a special rate for the platform and delivered to the two districts. Transport costs to locations were borne by Arpico as per the agreement. Divisional Secretaries ensured through Grama Nilidharis the placement of tanks in designated locations with installation of taps and construction of platforms. A tank would support 15-20 families.

The District Secretary and Disaster Management Coordinating Officers assured that 1000 liter water tanks will be inventoried and used repetitively.

Water Buckets

District Secretary Polonnaruwa requested water buckets for use by families as it was an imminent requirement for families to collect and store water provided by the government bowsers. CHA negotiated with Phoenix Industries for the supply of five hundred 50/70 liter buckets at a special rate. Phoenix Industries undertook the transportation cost to further facilitate the platform’s initiative. The second lot of 200 buckets was collected by GA Pollonnaruwa from CHA office. GA arranged transport from Colombo to Polonnaruwa.

Distribution of buckets from the District Secretaries Office to relevant divisions was coordinated by the District Secretary and Disaster Management Coordinator of the district with CHA officials. Transport was provided by local government authorities and community lorry owners. Distribution of water buckets were carried out in the GN Divisions of Singhapura, Wijeyabapura and Pudur of Thamakkaduwa DS Division.

Ration Packs

Cargill’s Food City with its chain of super markets around the Island and a member of the platform provided the best rate for dry rations. A family pack of dry rations consisted of the following;

A-PAD Sri Lanka  http://www.apadsl.org/