This evidence-based report by the Tamil Information Centre (TIC) analyses, from a human rights and public health perspective, the impact of the violent conflict in Sri Lanka on health, the health system, and relief and reconstruction. In particular it examines the deteriorating health of the population in the conflict zones of the North-East of Sri Lanka. This report is the fruit of an extensive literature review and discussions with health professionals and health workers in Sri Lanka and elsewhere. It cites and analyses data derived from the reports of international and nongovernmental agencies that have worked in Sri Lanka or been involved with Sri Lanka over many years. TIC has also collected data, and has initiated and facilitated the visits of Sri Lankan expatriate health professionals to assist local agencies and institutions involved in health provision and promotion in war-torn areas of the island. Data collection in conflict zones is notoriously difficult, and the available information in Sri Lanka is often fragmented, patchy, misleading or biased. The authors have made every effort to construct a robust evidence base in this report, and their conclusions are as authoritative and objective as possible. However, TIC cannot be held responsible for any shortcomings that arise as a result of poor data or inadvertent errors of fact or interpretation. It welcomes corrections and additional information.
