Sept. 7th, 2009 - Since the first deployment last April during which needs in telecommunications had been assessed, TSF returned to Colombo the capital, in order to provide support to the humanitarian community and the population.

Since mid-April 2009 until the cease of fire between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on May 20th 2009, hundreds of thousands of civilians escaped from Sri Lanka's war torn North Eastern coast.

The internally displaced people are sheltered in temporary camps around the districts of Vavuniya, Mannnar and Jaffna. Camps in Vavuniya house an estimated 318,000 IDPs. These camps were built to shelter people after 30 years of civil war with the LTTE.

UNHCR requested TSF to provide IT support for one month in Sri Lanka. A TSF emissary was sent to Colombo the capital from April 26th to the 29th in an effort to assess of the situation and prepare for an eventual deployment of personnel and telecommunication equipment.

On August 17th, 2009, TSF sent a representative to complete the visa process on site and assist UNHCR with ICT projects.

Unfortunately, TSF has not obtained the necessary visa and security clearances. Due to these administrative issues, TSF was not able to reach the camps and bring support to the IDPs.

Nevertheless, TSF continues implementing its strategy to support the humanitarian community and the civilians, and will deploy to Sri Lanka, if given the green light.