Helping the Most Vulnerable Recover

As Catholic Relief Services and our partners set out to help Sri Lankans recover from the devastating tsunami of late 2004, the focus was on the most vulnerable population. This includes renters, shanty dwellers and families who were left homeless by years of civil war, which tore through communities with as much savageness as a large-scale natural disaster.

In Sri Lanka's eastern and southern coastal regions, the tsunami left more than 36,000 dead or missing and 550,000 without homes. More than 276,000 jobs were lost. Working through our local Caritas partner, CRS has responded to the tremendous needs in Sri Lanka with a projected five-year, $30-million recovery program, including extensive relief, construction of thousands of homes and schools, and education rehabilitation. Photos by Liliana B. Garcia/CRS