|
Shanthini, like most inhabitants of Vantharamulai, had to flee her home during the conflict and her family lost all their assets, including their house, which was burnt to the ground.
“No words can describe the hardships we have faced,” she says. Shanthini now lives alone with her three children. Her husband, who suffers from a mental disability, has been in hospital for two years.
Cash grant
Looking around her property it is clear that life is improving for Shanthini and her family. She is the recipient of a household cash grant from the British Red Cross – the only charity to work in this village – to support the re-establishment of her family’s livelihood. Vantharamulai is one of 20 villages in Batticaloa to receive these grants.
Shanthini chose to spend her grant on cattle. Her cows now produce two litres of milk per day. The daily income generated from this, around 60 rupees (30p), has meant that Shanthini has been able to diversify her livelihood by starting up a small shop that sits in front of her house. She is also able to afford to send her children to school.
Preventing disaster
Prior to the distribution of the household grants, the British Red Cross initiated a cash-for-work scheme in 2006 to clear the village canals, preventing the annual floods from destroying villagers’ livelihoods each year. The hard work of Shanthini and the 139-strong all-female team has meant that the floods are no longer a disaster.
When talking about her hopes for the future, Shanthini says: “My main objective is to look after the cattle and increase my herd in a sustainable way to continue to generate income so that I can manage my family’s day-to-day life.
“We will be grateful to the British Red Cross until we die. Words cannot describe how we feel. Now there is hope for the future.”
Read about Civilians and Conflict Month
Find out about our online family reunion game
Read more stories about people affected by conflict | 
