Summary
Content
The Logistics Cluster in Sri Lanka was activated in December 2008 with the aim of supporting the humanitarian community in its relief efforts due to the conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE. WFP is the Logistics Cluster lead in Sri Lanka.
Context
During 2006, as the conflict in the north intensified, humanitarian logistics operations required the ability to operate in tandem with the existing Government-controlled supply lines to affected populations. WFP responded to this by establishing a Special Operation aiming both to augment common logistics capacity and support its own operation. By the latter part of 2008, the remaining battleground was focused in the northern districts of Killinochchi and Mullaitivu and, with the civilian population trapped inside the conflict area, humanitarian convoys became the lifeline into these districts. With active hostilities coming to an end in May 2009, large IDP movements to camps outside the conflict area occurred (274,465 between October 27, 2008 and July 29, 2009, OCHA). Operations focus on supporting the IDPs in the camps and resettlement.
Objective
The Logistics Cluster's objective is to coordinate logistics of all humanitarian actors in order to avoid duplication and to improve the effectiveness of humanitarian aid. Non-Governmental Organizations, International Organizations, Government counterparts and UN agencies are all members of the Logistics Cluster. World Food Programme (WFP) is the Cluster lead for Logistics. Activities of the Logistics Cluster are as follows.
Common Services
WFP's SO offers an integrated approach to transport and storage across the country with the aim of providing managed warehouse facilities and transport arrangements to all of the Logistics Cluster partner agencies, including INGO's, NGO's and the Government of Sri Lanka for both food and non-food items. A fleet of 30 trucks is available to the humanitarian community, which can be augmented with commercial transport as and when required. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) provides transport services both to and within the districts of Mannar, Vavuniya and Trincomalee, and can also assist with district transport solutions within Jaffna. For requesting transport or storage from either operation, please use the forms posted on this website. All participants of the Logistics Cluster are welcome to offer services for common use.
Meetings
Logistics Cluster meetings are held in both Colombo and Vavuniya. Colombo-based meetings are held monthly on a Wednesday; Vavuniya-based meetings are held fortnightly on a Wednesday. Adjustments to this schedule may occur. Please refer to agendas and meeting minutes sent out via the mailing list.
Logistics Information Management
As part of the consolidated service offered by the Logistics Cluster, a logistics information sharing platform is made available to the humanitarian community. Logistics-related information is published on the logistics cluster webpage and disseminated through the mailing list. All participants of the Cluster are welcome to submit information.