In December 2004, UNHCR responded immediately to the needs of people displaced by the tsunami – an exceptional decision given that the agency’s mandate focuses primarily on persons displaced by conflict.

 

However due to the scale of the disaster and the organization’s capacity, experience, presence and expertise in Sri Lanka, UNHCR involvement in the relief efforts was essential. 

 

Relief distributions of plastic sheeting, tents and kitchen sets, were followed by UNHCR’s construction of 4,500 temporary shelters.

 

As National Lead Agency in Tsunami Transitional Shelter, UNHCR also co-ordinated and supported the Government’s Transitional Shelter Project (TAP) and more than 100 implementing organizations, to ensure that the required 55,000 transitional shelters were built by the end of 2005.

 

In November 2005, UNHCR handed over this role to the Government of Sri Lanka, signalling the end of its involvement in tsunami-focused activities.