A Step Towards Sustainable Reintegration: Supporting the resettlement of families in Tellipalai

Displaced by the ethnic conflict in the 1990s, residents of the Valikamam North (Tellippalai) division have gradually begun to resettle in their localities. Approximately 14,863 displaced individuals have reportedly returned to these government-released lands since the end of the conflict up until 2023. In March 2023, at the request of the District Secretary of Jaffna, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), initiated the provision of reintegration support including housing and water supply for drinking and sanitation to these families.

Through the project "Expanded Support for Durable Resettlement and Reintegration in Sri Lanka", jointly implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka with support from UNDP and IOM and funding via the UN Sri Lanka SDG Fund—with contributions from Australia, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, UN Peacebuilding, and the Joint SDG Fund. As part of this initiative, IOM successfully provided access to clean water for 24 families in the Tellippalai resettlement village through the construction of 12 tubewells. This facilitated access to clean water and sanitation – fundamental needs critical for health and wellbeing. UNDP provided support for land clearing and conducted an assessment of the Water Resources Board of the Tellippalai Divisional Secretariat as part of this initiative.

The provision of these essential water services played a vital role in rebuilding livelihoods and other income generating activities such as farming/agriculture. With the water facility readily available, eliminating the need to seek fresh water from distant sources, women and children, in particular, were empowered to focus on productive activities such as education and home gardening.

By facilitating such initiatives, the UN in Sri Lanka remains committed to upholding the principle of inclusivity, ensuring that the needs of conflict-affected communities, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable populations are duly taken into consideration in development efforts. Through such targeted initiatives, the UN strives to provide durable solutions that empower communities in vulnerable situations to effectively reintegrate into society.