ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that a failure to ensure reasonable equity in the distribution of international aid threatens to undermine the prospects of a lasting reconciliation that could follow the May 2009 military defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. It demonstrates that excessive haste is the biggest barrier to meaningful community engagement in disaster recovery work. The book also argues that international aid agencies must work patiently to put in place meaningful partnerships with local community-based organisations as soon as long-term physical and social planning becomes possible. The book also argues that ‘build back better’ is indeed possible if a community-development approach is understood and implemented. It explores the conception of community that has emerged within western sociology in recent times.
