UNHCR’s involvement in Sri Lanka dates back to 1987 when the organization was invited by the Government of Sri Lanka to facilitate large-scale repatriation of Sri Lankan refugees from India.

 

UNHCR’s role has evolved in the last two decades, through conflict, statelessness, and the tsunami, to its status as the lead agency for the protection and assistance of conflict-affected IDPs in Sri Lanka.

 

UNHCR’s ultimate objective is to identify, sustain and enhance prospects for durable solutions in order to end displacement in Sri Lanka. Since the end of the conflict, UNHCR has been focused on helping people returning to their homes from camps in the north and east.

 

In 2011, UNHCR is also stepping up assistance to increasing numbers of Sri Lankan refugees who are opting to return home.