SOLIDAR is a European network of 47 NGOs and labour movement organisations working towards all people living in dignity. Working in alliance with trade unions, SOLIDAR promotes equality, solidarity and social justice in the fields of social affairs, international cooperation and education in over 90 countries worldwide.

Formed in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami, the Solidar Sri Lanka Consortium consists of Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), Arbeiter Samariter Bund (ASB) and Swiss Labour Assistance (SAH).

Initially it was a post-tsunami recovery and rebuilding effort that was mostly restricted to assisting the affected in North/East region. Overtime, this assistance operation has evolved into an across-the-board Country Programme which is supported by a National Strategy committed to addressing deeply-entrenched poverty and post-conflict issues.

Dedicated to bringing about a meaningful difference in communities with which we work, the diversified Country Programme implemented by Solidar Consortium and member organizations is underway in 17 districts of Sri Lanka .

Post-conflict and post-tsunami reconstruction and rehabilitation, de-mining, livelihoods support, peace and social justice, economic recovery and social development, Quick Impact Projects (with UNHCR), provision of humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the resurgent violence, Shelter Coordination Cell (addressing temporary shelter needs of Internally Displaced People (with UNHCR, UNOPS, NRC)) are some of the Programme's projects assisting large numbers of crisis affected populations.

At the beginning of 2007, the Kanapathipillai family lived in the Panankandadichenai hamlet of Manmunai West DS Division, Batticaloa District expecting as they always did to cultivate highland crops twice that year. In March however, intensified artillery and air attacks nearby left the Kanapathipillai family and dozens of others in the village homeless. They found shelter in a welfare camp. During their 3 month’s stay in the welfare camp, the family endured many hardships and inconveniences typical of such circumstances; inadequate space to sleep, no proper latrine and drinking water facilities and no school for the children.