I worked at the Task Force for Relief (TAFOR) in Sri Lanka this past summer.  My primary role was to collaborate with key stakeholders to develop the reorganization strategy for TAFOR.  The strategy involved evolving the task force from a facilitator of post- tsunami emergency relief and immediate rehabilitation to a facilitator of a comprehensive transitional program. 

   The transitional program includes creating an enabling environment for affected families to move to self-sufficiency, upgrading transitional accommodation sites and incorporating the ‘care and maintenance’ phase that would overlap with longer-term rehabilitation initiatives handled by TAFOR’s sister task force, TAFREN (Task Force for Rebuilding the Nation).  A key challenge for TAFOR was a growing mandate as the transitional phase timeline kept getting extended due to challenges in implementing some of the longer-term rehabilitation initiatives such as livelihood programs and permanent housing. 

   In preparing inputs for the strategy, I visited transitional accommodation sites to conduct needs assessments and I liaised with lead agencies (implementers) such as IOM, UNHCR and local government officials.  I was impressed by the work that TAFOR and the implementing partners were able to achieve – even in the face of limited resources.  

   Sheer will, hard work and going beyond the call of duty enabled these entities to deliver tangible results. The task force and the implementing agencies were honored by the Sri Lankan president in August for their contributions to the post-tsunami rehabilitation effort.   

   I found my work to be both challenging and inspiring.  In the context of Sri Lanka’s struggle with terrorism, along with my friend and fellow MPP, Manjiv Jayakumar, I also spent some of my time trying to better understand what opportunities and barriers exist in Sri Lanka for reconciliation.  I believe that a key driver for peace in Sri Lanka is the injection of economic growth throughout the country and the creation of environments in which hard work can result in opportunities to live a better life. 

   The plight of the average rural person in Sri Lanka knows no ethnic or religious boundary.  In order to truly rebuild the nation and harness the worldwide support the Tsunami 2004 had generated for the country, sustainable peace and reconciliation is essential. I am hopeful and believe that there is tremendous opportunity to build that trust and common vision - one community at a time.