Japanese special envoy Yasushi Akashi expressed his appreciation of the programme for the welfare and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North, despite the many challenges faced by the government due to the larger numbers who arrived within a very short period.

At a meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Janadhipathi Mandiraya, June 11, Mr. Akashi said the conditions in the relief villages for civilians liberated from terrorism have improved to an appreciable level from what he saw his earlier visit there a few weeks ago.

President Rajapaksa informed Mr. Akashi that the resettlements of IDPs in the main relief villages would begin as soon as the required areas were cleared of all land mines.

He said that more than 2000 IDPs in the Mannar District had already been resettled in suitable accommodation acceptable to them, with the participation of the UNHCR.

The President also informed Mr. Akashi details of the programme to resettle the majority of IDPs within 180 days. He said the government was proceeding with the development of infrastructure and essential services for the resettlement work.

Mr. Akashi said that Japan would continue to assist in the resettlement work, including the demining activities, and expressed the view that International Community should also support Sri Lanka in its efforts to carry out speedy resettlement of IDPs.

Later at a Media Briefing Mr. Akashi expressed his appreciation of the commitment made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to meet the aspirations of Tamil civilians, and his satisfaction at the welfare facilities provided to the IDPs. The briefing was held at the Hilton, Colombo (June 11).

Mr. Akashi said the de-mining process is the core requirement at the moment and he assured the Japanese government’s assistance for the de-mining work. He also said that normalizing the living conditions of the IDPs would be a difficult task for any country, and in this context, said Japan and other nations must help the government’s effort to resettle the IDPs in their original homes and. He lauded all the actions taken by the government to ensure the safety of the IDPs, and to expedite their resettlement and reintegration into society.

Akashi who had also visited the Rehabilitation Centre for former LTTE cadres, had expressed his satisfaction at the progress being made by the authorities there. He said Japan would invite ex-LTTE cadres come to Japan to participate in rehabilitation programmes.

The Japanese special envoy said that discussions he had with Ministers and the Government officials have always been characterized by mutual friendship. He commended the Sri Lankan security forces for having displayed courage and determination to defeat organization such as the LTTE.