UNHCR: 1.5 million Sri Lankans displaced
[June 22, 2001]

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that about 1.5 million Sri Lankans are displaced and living in and out of the country.  According to government statistics more than 700,000 internally displaced persons receive food assistance from the government and more than 500,00 live with relatives or friends.

Allen Vernon of UNHCR said that over 800,000 persons were internally displaced while the others live out of Sri Lanka. Most of them are Tamils who have fled the north and east of the country where government forces have been battling with the rebel LTTE for 18 years.

He also said that over 250,000 persons were resident in Europe and 400,000 persons in Canada. It is estimated that nearly 66,000 are living in camps in India. 

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Last Updated Date: December 17, 2003 .