President discusses the plight of displaced people of the North and East
[April 19, 2004 - 1.00 GMT]

President Chandrika Kumaratunga was today briefed by heads of the UNHCR, ICRC, UNICEF, the UN Resident Co-ordinator in Sri Lanka and a representative from Save the Children on their current programmes particularly in the fields of Rehabilitation and Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons [IDPs]. The Governor of the North East Province and the Government Agents of the region detailed to the President the relief measures made extended to those who sought refuge in schools during the recent internecine skirmishes. The IDPs have now returned to their homes they said.

Despite the two year absence of hostilities there are scores of people still to be resettled both in the North and East. As an interim measure the President directed that a sum of 10 Million Rupees be made available immediately to the NE Governor for assistance to IDPs. The President observed there was an urgent need to establish a single body to coordinate the resettlement process.

The reasons impeding the speedy resettlement of IDPs were discussed at length, such as lack of titles to lands due to the demise of the original owners, encroachments, mine infestation, the high security zones etc.

The heads of the UN Agencies present pledged their assistance to the Government’s programmes towards resettlement and mine clearance. The President also expressed her concern for the child soldiers recently reunited with their families and the need to reintegrate them. The UNICEF representative assured the President his organization will continue to work towards the educational needs of such children and supplement the Government’s education plans for them.

The Minister for Housing, Education and Irrigation in the East, the Secretary to the President, the three service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police were present at today’s discussions at President’s House. The President said there would soon be further such meetings to address the issues concerning IDPs and the educational needs of children affected by the trauma of several years of war in the North and East.

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Last Updated Date: April 19, 2004  - 1.00 GMT.