The United States had welcomed the Government's acceleration of the voluntary return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their villages.

We are encouraged by the Government’s announcement that it intends in the next few weeks to facilitate the voluntary return of over 40,000…. and we understand that thousands have already been released, said a statement from the US Embassy.

The United States is supporting the voluntary returns process by providing $6.6 million to international de-mining organizations for humanitarian de-mining assistance, $4 million to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to assist returnees as they arrive to their homes, and contributions to the World Food Program for the provision of six months’ dry rations to returning families, it added.

The US further stated that they would look for additional ways to support the Government of Sri Lanka in this critical effort and firmly believes that the rapid release and voluntary return of all IDPs is a critical element of national reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

During the last two years, the US has contributed over $87 million in humanitarian assistance, including funding that has provided over seven million meals for Sri Lankans living in IDP centres.