MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gambaro
Australia will provide a further $1 million to help meet the needs of hundreds of thousands of people displaced by continuing hostilities in the north and east of Sri Lanka.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Teresa Gambaro, said the Australian Government through its international aid agency AusAID would provide the funding for the protection of internally displaced persons, management of campsites, shelter, water supply and sanitation.
'The contribution will be channelled through international aid agencies including UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross, who are dealing with the situation on the ground,' Ms Gambaro said.
'International organisations have established a Common Humanitarian Action Plan under which they are cooperating to try to alleviate the enormous suffering of affected populations.
'More than 1000 people have been killed since April this year and more than 200,000 people have been forced from their homes in renewed violence in Sri Lanka.
'Australia has now contributed a total of $2 million to help those affected by the conflict.
'We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Sri Lanka and stand ready to offer additional assistance if necessary,' said Ms Gambaro.
Media inquiries:
Dean Savage (Ms Gambaro's Office) 0438 171 330
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590