About BRAC Sri Lanka:
Following the devastating tsunami in Sri Lanka in 2003, BRAC established a rehabilitation and livelihood reconstruction program, which implemented immediate and practical health, education, and economic activities. These programs provided clean water, school stipends, food, and financial support to affected families. In May 2005, BRAC registered in Sri Lanka as a Non-Government Organization in order to expedite its work and run longer term reconstruction programs. Currently there are 34 microfinance branches in six Sri Lankan districts, which have disbursed over USD 6.5 million in loans to over 40,000 members.

Started with a focus on immediate rehabilitation and livelihood reconstruction. Staff have keen on-the-ground sense of gradual sequencing to move from rehabilitation to a livelihood development approach. Started off with a range of immediate, practical, and targeted rehabilitation activities:

• Cleaning and disinfection of contaminated water wells

• Construction of latrines in the temporary shelters

• Providing medical aid for those who were severely injured during Tsunami

• Replacement of lost and damaged school materials and required items for Tsunami-affected school students

• Monthly stipend support for a period of one year to tsunami-affected orphan students who have either lost one or both parents

• Support for those who previously owned but lost their vegetable gardens to restart their cultivation

• Distribution of pant saplings to families who lost their homestead plants
  Since late 2006, BRAC Sri Lanka has shifted its focus to provide support for longer term livelihood reconstruction

Microfinance Program
Operates 34 microfinance branches in six districts
Serves over 40,000 members
Employs a tiered approach – interest-free loans of smaller sizes for the poorest; and larger loans with interest for moderate poor
Over USD 6.5 million loans disbursed