Sri Lanka, often celebrated for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture, also harbors a more challenging and complex reality for many. The nation has a long history of internal displacement due to civil conflict and is also host to refugees fleeing persecution from neighboring countries. Although the country’s civil war ended over a decade ago, the echoes of displacement remain strong, with thousands still struggling to rebuild their lives. Simultaneously, Sri Lanka has become a refuge for individuals escaping violence, persecution, and war from places like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. This dual reality presents unique challenges and opportunities for both refugees and Sri Lankan society. Here are some of the challenging tales of refugees in Sri Lanka.

A Legacy of Internal Displacement and refugees in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan Civil War, fought between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), lasted from 1983 to 2009. During these years, hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans, particularly from the Tamil minority, were displaced from their homes. The conflict caused widespread destruction, and entire communities were uprooted, forcing people to live in refugee camps or seek safety in other parts of the country.

In the post-war period, the Sri Lankan government made efforts to resettle many of the internally displaced persons (IDPs). However, challenges remain. Decades after the war, some families continue to live in limbo, struggling with inadequate housing, lack of access to land, and economic instability. Many IDPs, particularly those from the Northern and Eastern provinces, are still unable to return to their ancestral homes due to ongoing military occupation of land or disputes over property rights. This has left them living in makeshift housing or temporary settlements with limited resources.

Sri Lanka as a Host for Refugees

While Sri Lanka has a long history of dealing with its own displaced population, in recent years it has become a host country for refugees fleeing violence and persecution from neighboring regions, particularly from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. These refugees arrive seeking safety, often after escaping religious persecution, political instability, or conflict in their home countries.

According to UNHCR, Sri Lanka currently hosts around 1,000 refugees and asylum seekers, a relatively small number compared to other countries in the region. The majority of these refugees are from Pakistan’s Ahmadiyya Muslim community, who face persecution in their home country for their religious beliefs. Others include Afghan and Rohingya refugees, fleeing the conflict in Afghanistan and the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, respectively.

While Sri Lanka is a signatory to various international conventions on human rights, it has not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. This means that refugees and asylum seekers in the country do not have legal status, making their situation precarious. Without official refugee status, they are often seen as illegal migrants and are denied basic rights, such as the ability to work legally, access public healthcare, or enroll their children in school. Many live in temporary housing or rely on local charity organizations and UNHCR for support, which limits their opportunities for self-sufficiency.

Challenges Faced by Refugees

Refugees in Sri Lanka face a host of challenges, from legal uncertainty to social integration. The lack of formal recognition as refugees means that many asylum seekers live in fear of detention or deportation, and they remain in a state of legal limbo for years. Without work permits, many are forced to work in the informal sector, often in exploitative conditions for little pay. This not only affects their economic stability but also exposes them to discrimination and abuse.

Additionally, cultural and religious differences often create barriers to social integration. Some refugees, particularly those from minority religious communities, have reported facing harassment and hostility from certain segments of Sri Lankan society. The rise of nationalist and anti-immigrant sentiments in some parts of the country has added to the difficulties refugees face in assimilating and finding acceptance.

Healthcare access is another significant challenge. Although some refugees can access basic health services through UNHCR programs, many still struggle to receive adequate medical care due to financial constraints or the fear of being reported to authorities. Education for refugee children is also limited, as Sri Lankan public schools are generally not open to non-citizens, leaving refugee children with few options for formal education.

The Role of International Organizations

UNHCR plays a critical role in supporting refugees in Sri Lanka, providing legal assistance, protection, and some basic services. However, the organization is often overstretched, given the global refugee crisis and limited resources. Local NGOs and faith-based organizations also step in to provide humanitarian aid, offering food, shelter, and educational support to refugee families.

Resettlement is one of the few long-term solutions for many refugees in Sri Lanka. UNHCR works with third countries, particularly in Europe, North America, and Australia, to resettle recognized refugees. However, the resettlement process is slow and selective, leaving many families waiting for years without certainty about their future.

Hope and Resilience

Despite the numerous challenges they face, many refugees in Sri Lanka demonstrate remarkable resilience. They form close-knit communities, helping one another navigate the complexities of living in a foreign country. Some refugees have set up small businesses or found informal work to support their families, while others participate in local religious and community activities, forging connections with sympathetic Sri Lankan citizens.

Moreover, Sri Lanka’s government, while yet to fully embrace refugee rights, has shown occasional signs of leniency, particularly during moments of international pressure or crisis. For example, in the aftermath of the 2019 Easter bombings, when anti-Muslim sentiments flared up, some sections of society offered support to refugees facing increased threats.

Looking to the Future

The future for refugees in Sri Lanka remains uncertain, and much will depend on the government’s willingness to address the challenges they face. Ratifying the 1951 Refugee Convention would be a crucial step towards providing legal recognition and protection for refugees. Additionally, creating pathways for employment and education would allow refugees to contribute to society, rather than live on the margins.

International support and pressure will also be vital in ensuring that Sri Lanka continues to uphold its humanitarian responsibilities. Advocacy groups, NGOs, and international bodies must work together to push for reforms that provide refugees with the dignity, rights, and safety they deserve.

For Sri Lanka, embracing its role as a refuge for those fleeing violence and persecution could be an opportunity to enhance its global standing as a nation committed to human rights and peace, while also benefiting from the diversity and resilience that refugee communities can bring.

If you are like me and are interested in refugee promotion around the world, here’s a link to read more stories.