First ShelterBoxes distributed in Sri Lanka

Wednesday 13 May, SRI LANKA: 224 ShelterBoxes are being distributed today in Menik Farm (Zone 3) in the Vanni region to give shelter to vulnerable IDPs with special needs who have escaped the fighting in the area. An additional 224 ShelterBoxes are due to arrive in Menik Farm by 16 May. ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) volunteers John Mackie (US) and John Cordell (US) are supervising the distribution. “We are working closely with our partners on the ground to get the ShelterBoxes despatched as soon as we can,” says John Mackie. “We will be giving much needed shelter to the most vulnerable people who have been forced to leave their homes because of the fighting.” ShelterBox is working in Sri Lanka with local Rotarians, Habitat for Humanity, the International Organisation for Migration and the United Nations. “We are continuing to assess the situation on the ground on a daily basis and will send additional assistance if it is needed,” says ShelterBox Operations Manager Pete Sykes.