LankaWeb News: "We acknowledge that government officials and other agencies are under pressure and over worked in addressing the enormity of issues that have arisen since the disaster. Therefore we the Women's Coalition for Disaster Management would like to offer our expertise and resources to enhance long term plans with regard to the welfare of displaced people. We recognise that this is a moment in time where all groups in the Batticaloa district should work together. We wish to draw your attention to our serious concerns about the current arrangements for the welfare of persons displaced in the aftermath of the tsunami that hit Batticaloa on 26th December 2004. We are alarmed that decisions are being made about temporary re-location of displaced people with neither sufficient consultation nor adequate regard for their wishes. Decision-making must take into account the opinions and concerns they will have about the types of shelter, livelihood opportunities, social support and physical security and psychological attachments to their home area and community. This consultation process must recognise the diversity of displaced populations, where a single camp will often contain many groups with different needs and special requirements. These differences would include gender, age, cultural background, socio-economic status and means of income. Different groups will require different solutions. We, the Women's Coalition for Disaster Management, call for the consultation of displaced women in decision-making about temporary and long-term arrangements for their welfare."
