The Government yesterday (Dec 1) allowed freedom of movement for the Internally Displaced People, who were housed in Government run welfare centres in the north.

According to the authorities on the opening day by noon at least 9,300 people had moved out of the camps to visit their relatives after registering themselves with the relevant authorities.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on November 24 said that he wants every single displaced person to be sent back to their original villages by January 31.

The President has also announced a new package under which each of the resettled people would be provided with Rs. 5,000 in cash, a savings bank account worth Rs. 50,000, 6 months of ration and an emergency kit with roofing and bed sheets.