The resettlement of the Internally Displaced Persons and initiation of their livelihoods is a priority of the Government of Sri Lanka, said Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama during his meeting with Mike Foster, the UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development.

The Foreign Minister appreciated the humanitarian assistance and the de-mining support that have been extended by the United Kingdom to Sri Lanka.

The British Under Secretary stated that enhancing assistance in de-mining would be explored in order to encourage the return of the displaced.

The Minister explained that the progress of resettlement was dependent on de-mining and that such assistance would be welcome. He also appealed for assistance in providing permanent shelter, which he said is imperative in the re-settlement process. He emphasized that the Government had no hidden agenda in keeping the IDPs in welfare villages.