History of CHA

The Colombo based Consortium for Relief and Rehabilitation celebrated its 10th Anniversary in 1994 along with the change in Government. The elections, held in August and November, 1994, placed a new Government in office, which was widely perceived as having been given a mandate for peace. Simultaneously, with the change in Government, the first seven-year (1987-1994) Emergency Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP) came to a close. The new Minister for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation made indications of a more energetic approach in dealing with the long-standing problem of displaced and resettled persons.

There was a degree of dissatisfaction, internally, with regard to the structure and content the Consortium's monthly meetings. Important stakeholders and decision makers outside the NGO spectrum attended irregularly. However, the Consortium was recognised in previous years for its vital role in as a channel of information and a point of contact. At the same time, the Consortium also showed very obvious limitations in its form. It could neither mobilise the NGO community to interact creatively and collectively with the changing context, nor function as a focal point through which other stakeholders could interact with the NGO community as such. This led to a discussion paper titled, 'The Colombo Consortium for Relief and Rehabilitation - An Invitation for Reflection' (January 25, 1995). The Advisory Committee initiated a reflection on the capacity and functioning of the Consortium.

In February 1995, a quick survey was conducted among members to ensure that there was sufficient consensus and interest for an in-depth reflection about the Consortium. The responses received were, without exception, positive. The Advisory Committee, continuing the reflection, broadened itself by co-opting persons interested or experienced in organisational strengthening. Throughout March and April, a series of useful discussions were held, reaching the point where the group felt that work on specifics was a possibility. A Review Committee of seven persons was formed to formulate specific proposals for a stronger Consortium and started its work in June.

The Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies was formalised in 1997 with the establishment of a Secretariat, after operating as an informal network of NGO's since 1984. Now, eleven years later, the Consortium and its Secretariat are well established. The members and Secretariat felt that it is time to reflect on the CHA's mandate, its roles, its functions, and challenges for the future. It is crucial for CHA to keep abreast of changes in the country and respond adequately to needs arising from these changes, in addition to its members' expectations. Early in 2002, they decided to undertake a Strategic Planning Process, which would result in a Strategic Plan by September, 2002.

At the same time, the working context of the humanitarian community in the North and East started changing rapidly. The change in Government in December, 2001, the introduction of a bilateral cease fire, the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government and the LTTE, and preparation for peace talks resulted in an on-the-ground situation that demanded a revised approach to reconciliation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction initiatives.

During the Strategic Planning Process, members with the CHA Secretariat tried to envisage what the role of the CHA would be within this changing scenario in the coming years. During discussions with the membership, much attention was paid to an analysis of changes in the external environment during the time and those to be expected in future. However, it was evident that the future was unpredictable. An annual review of the situation and the appropriateness of CHA's role was necessary.