Amidst the worsening economic crisis in the country, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society,
together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC),
has launched its Complex Emergency Needs Assessment Report – October 2022. The report
is based on surveys conducted by teams from the Red Cross in face-to-face, in-person
interviews with 2,871 households, case studies of 10 estates, focus group discussions and
key informant interviews, to establish the true extent and scope of the humanitarian
emergency Sri Lanka is presently facing.
Through in-person interviews and expert data analysis, the Complex Emergency Needs
Assessment Report – October 2022 provides accurate feedback on exactly how the economic
crisis is affecting people across 11 districts in Sri Lanka. In fact, the Report has identified that
96% of people have been affected by the present crisis in some material way, with food
insecurity, health concerns, livelihoods and nutrition amongst the most pressing issues.
Deteriorating physical safety and security, as well as violence against women and children
also stood out as major concerns.
A special press conference was held in Colombo by the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society on the
14th of October 2022, to officially launch the Complex Emergency Needs Assessment Report
– October 2022, and highlight the emerging challenges and obstacles that Sri Lanka needs to
overcome in order to combat its present humanitarian emergency. The panel at the press
conference comprised of regional director, Asia Pacific of the International Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Mr Alexander Matheou
Discussing the Report, Honorary President, Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, Mr Jagath
Abeysinghe and commented saying, “Working at the ground level and closely with
communities, we regularly hear of heart-wrenching stories of loss of hope and fear for the
future. Many people, particularly single women with children, people living with disabilities, the
elderly, casual labourers and fishermen, feel as though they are fighting a losing battle, just to
survive. The Report has taken these stories and other data into account and coherently
presents these facts and figures to help policymakers, donors, volunteers and others truly
understand the ground realities, so that relief efforts can be better tailored to meet the most
pressing needs first.”
The Report highlights concerning challenges with regard to accessing food, either because of
high cost, income stress or lack of availability. Uncontrolled inflation and loss of livelihoods
have delivered a double blow to the most vulnerable communities, and even less vulnerable
ones, as they attempt to cope with the unprecedented rise in the cost of living. The deepening
economic crisis is forcing people to make heart-breaking choices between going hungry,
buying life-saving medicine or finding the money to send children to school.
Despite the developing tragedy, the Sri Lanka Red Cross is working hard to keep up relief
efforts and provide at least the bare necessities for survival. The organization is also working,
through a multitude of efforts, to match donations with recipients who are most in need, while
also working to create awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka and draw the
world’s attention to the most pressing needs of the hour.
Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Launches Complex Emergency Needs Assessment Report October 2022 Amidst Sri Lanka Economic Crisis
