Project Officer's Annual Report - 2004 / 2005

SCOT has continued strongly during this report period with its activities to provide relief and rehabilitation, to alleviate poverty, and to protect and promote human rights among the Tamil-speaking people of Sri Lanka. These activities are the main aims and objectives of the Standing Committee.

Following reports last year, 2003 – 04, of severe malnutrition and starvation among children in the war affected areas of the North and East of Sri Lanka, SCOT initiated and implemented a child nutrition programme. That programme was very effective, and is continuing strongly this year in all areas of the NorthEast.

The loss of life and livelihood, and destruction and damage to property caused by the tsunami in December 2004 in many coastal areas of the NorthEast was horrible. The effect of a disaster of such proportions on communities already ravaged by two decades of war was devastating. SCOT received requests for help from partner organizations within twenty four hours of the tsunami, and our response was very prompt. SCOT funding in the immediate aftermath was towards activities ranging from feeding people, medicines and running mobile medical clinics. This was followed after a few days by financial help towards provision of cooking utensils and household effects, temporary shelters, school uniforms, and training of counsellors. To fund these activities a special fund, Tsunami Relief Fund, was set up and SCOT relief to affected people is continuing. The most recent funding approval in this respect by SCOT General Council was towards provision of training in income generating activities to tsunami affected women living in a temporary shelter in the Batticaloa District.

However, as always, requests for help and support continue strongly in all areas of need, and the task of applying available resources to where the need is greatest, in line with changing priorities in the NorthEast, and on the basis of sound value for money is not an easy one.

SCOT is funded almost exclusively by contributions from its members and their fund-raising activities. Members' generosity and practical support is gratefully acknowledged. Our particular thanks to members and non-members who supported our Tsunami Relief Fund so generously.

The total amount SCOT disbursed during the year ended 31ST August 2005 on projects concerning relief and rehabilitation, poverty alleviation, and human rights is £28,750.

A full list of organisations supported, each identified by both its geographical area as well as its function, and the amount contributed by SCOT is attached.

J P Swampillai
Projects Officer