Abstract:
A greater part of post-tsunami relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation (RRR) work in Sri
Lanka has been carried out by government structures ad international and local
organizations alike with little emphasis participation. The initial lapses in this regard can
be written-off against the sheer magnitude on the disaster; all actors sacrificed
participatory processes in order to meet urgent recovery needs on the ground.
Information-sharing between local communities and recovery agents is vital for ensuring
the success and sustainability of the tsunami recovery process in Sri Lanka. On one
hand, it prevents systematic discrepancies between relief, rehabilitation and
reconstruction efforts and their corresponding needs on the ground. On the other hand, it
builds ownership and trust in tsunami recovery and restores faith in the democratic
process. This paper will attempt to share the experiences gained by attempting to
strengthen capacities for tsunami recovery by: Carrying consultations at village-level in
the tsunami-affected areas to ascertain the needs of the affected; disseminating
information on tsunami-related issues and decisions to the affected communities and
disseminating the findings of these consultations with policy-makers.
