As a result of the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding today across the world. As part of the organisation’s global response, the ICRC in Sri Lanka has developed a response plan aimed at supporting those whose lives and livelihood have been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic measures. The response is in line with national priorities and aimed at supporting the authorities to prevent and/or mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

At the heart of the response are those who are the most vulnerable. As many as 1500 households received relief packs with food rations and 5700 received cash vouchers across the 24 districts where this emergency relief distribution was carried out together with the Sri Lanka Red Cross. Relief assistance helps to improve the daily food consumption of households that are most vulnerable and to maintain acceptable levels of nutrition and hygiene conditions in a short period until other support mechanisms and sustainable measures become effective.