Sri Lanka - Returning Home
Field-based documentary photography exploring the return of coastal fishing communities after years of displacement caused by civil war and landmine contamination in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s civil war, which lasted from 1983 to 2009, left tens of thousands dead. Across the northern province, more than one million landmines were laid.
Hundreds of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes, many remaining displaced for years, unable to return due to the presence of landmines.
Nagarkovil is a traditional fishing community. The sea has sustained families for generations. In 2000, the village was overrun by fighting, forcing families to leave their homes and livelihoods behind. When they returned thirteen years later, access to the sea was cut off by landmines. It took a further three years for the area to be cleared. Families have now come home, rebuilding livelihoods along the coast after years of displacement.
Nagarkovil is a traditional fishing community. The sea has sustained families for generations. In 2000, the village was overrun by fighting, forcing families to leave their homes and livelihoods behind. When they returned thirteen years later, access to the sea was cut off by landmines. It took a further three years for the area to be cleared. Families have now come home, rebuilding livelihoods along the coast after years of displacement.
Telakashwarry, fisherwoman. Her family has lived in Nagarkovil for generations.
After years of displacement, families are rebuilding their livelihoods along the coast.
Pulling the nets in from the sea in practiced rhythm.
The local market has reopened to sell the fish.
"We go out fishing three times a day.
Some days we sell 50,000 rupees of fish.
When I was a labourer I only earned 300 rupees a day."
— Terunavakarasu, Nagarkovil, Sri Lanka
Children can attend the village nursery.
"I am getting old so I want to pass my livelihood on to my children."
— Terunavakarasu, Nagarkovil, Sri Lanka
— Terunavakarasu, Nagarkovil, Sri Lanka
Normal life has been restored.
