More than a month after a series of bombings in Sri Lanka in April, in which more than 250 people were killed, around a thousand asylum seekers and refugees mostly from Pakistan and Afghanistan still remain displaced from their homes, fearing harassment, protests and threats.
It has been more one month since a series of bombings in Sri Lanka, in which more than 250 people were killed and 500+ injured.
In the days that followed, more than a thousand refugees and asylum seekers, mostly from Pakistan and Afghanistan, were displaced from their homes, facing or fearing harassment, protests, and threats.
They sought shelter and safety in a mosque and police station in Negombo, site of the deadliest attack. UNHCR and the authorities have helped many of these to more suitable places. But the largest group, some 600 people, are staying at an Amadiyya community centre in Pasyala, a town two-hour’s drive from Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo.
Conditions are basic and overcrowded. UNHCR, with partners, has been supporting people here, including providing food, medicines and other necessities. The agency is trucking water in daily to ensure there’s enough water for everyone.
Lack of space means men must spend nights outside, sleeping on wooden pallets in makeshift tents and in an abandoned building. They’ve had to deal with rains, snakes and even scorpions.
In the main building, more than 300 women and children share two open rooms. There’s no privacy and little space. A few local schools and donors have provided colouring books, crayons and toys to help keep children occupied.
UNHCR is also working closely with the Sri Lankan authorities to try to find alternative and safe temporary places to move the families. Before the April attacks, people said they felt safe in Sri Lanka. Their hope is to move to a safe place as soon as possible, so they can live in peace~UNHCR
