MSF first worked in Sri Lanka in 1986 to assist victims of the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. We provided medical care through mobile clinics, and supported camps for displaced people and health structures until March 2004. Nine months later, we responded to a devastating tsunami by running mobile clinics, rebuilding structures, and providing material support to displaced people until 2005.
MSF returned in 2007, providing surgery to people caught up in renewed fighting and we continued to treat people affected by the fighting until 2012.
1986
1986
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Dr Paul McMaster, MSF surgical advisor on surgical work in northern Sri Lanka
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Over 100,000 displaced in one location, hospitals struggling, Sri Lanka displaced demand 24 hour care as MSF staff prepare for the next wave of injured
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MSF treating hundreds of wounded arriving from Sri Lankan war zone
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Without medicine or sanitation, situation in Vanni, Sri Lanka, deteriorates as heavy rains fall
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Immense surgical and mental health needs in Sri Lanka's conflict area
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Desperate and unacceptable situation for trapped population in Sri Lanka
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200,000 still trapped in Sri Lanka fighting; MSF working in camps
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Listening to fleeing Sri Lankans
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Sick and wounded arrive at Vavuniya hospital
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250,000 civilians trapped in intense fighting in Sri Lanka
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Population in precarious situation as MSF workers withdraw from Sri Lanka
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