Sri Lanka: Information about tsunami orphans

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) and the Department of Probation and Childcare Services has thanked the public who cared for children affected by the tsunami. The NCPA and the Department of Probation and Childcare Services together with the Centre for National Operations (CNO) and the Task Force for Rescue and Relief (TAFRER) are in the process of developing a national policy and request the public to support in gathering further information.

The CNO and TAFRER has requested all relatives caring for children including surviving parents to register with the authorities; all unrelated persons including institutions/orphanages who have been caring for children orphaned by the tsunami to register with the authorities; and the public to participate in providing information related to children orphaned by the tsunami. This information is necessary to identify missing children, provide future assistance, facilitate temporary foster care and adoptions and to provide educational needs and schooling.

The information should be provided to the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), No. 330, Thalawathugoda Road, Madiwela, Sri Jayawardenapura.

Tel: (011) 2778911-4 or (011) 2779196 Fax: (011)-2778915;

Commissioner General - Department of Probation and Childcare Services, No. 150A, Nawala Road, Nugegoda. Tel: (011) 2852393 or (011) 2853596 Fax: (011) 2852393;

Provincial Commissioners - Department of Probation and Childcare Services, Galle 091-2234156 and Trincomalee 026-2223085;

All Divisional Secretaries in affected areas through the Grama Sevaka Niladari (forms can be collected at the Divisional Secretary's Office or at the Grama Sevaka Niladari's Office).

Source: The Daily News