Sri Lanka (MNN) – Sri Lankan police confirm reports of an unidentified assailant who lobbed a hand grenade at World Vision's Sri Lanka office in Batticaloa on December 21 at around 7:30 pm.
According to WV staff, the resulting explosion damaged three vehicles and the office building, but thankfully, none of the staff was injured because no one was in the office at the time.
Police are investigating the attack, but so far, they have no motive, suspects or arrests. Little else has been revealed in the investigation.
Concerned over the safety and security of its staff and property, WV's Head Office has alerted the appropriate officials in the Sri Lankan government.
World Vision has been working in the Asia-Pacific region for some time. Their staff was crucial in organizing a response following the tsunami, the landslides and now, helping with the Internally Displaced Persons fleeing the civil war.
This means sometimes advocating for and with children; in other places it is as simple as giving a child a satchel and some books and helping them go to school, or it might mean assisting families to help them stabilize against the backdrop of war.
The WV staff continues to partner with children and their communities, talking to governments and the UN, and working with other agencies and faith groups to combat the complex problems that affect children.
As World Vision's team works with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice, pray for their safety as they continue to reach out as the hands and feet of Christ.
