Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia and Central Asia and former US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Robert Blake expressed satisfaction with the government’s resettlement programme now underway and the new freedom of movement allowed and said that he was pleased with the mine risk education being given to students.

Mr. Blake made these comments during his visit to Menik Farm relief centre this morning (Dec 08).

As of today, the total number of IDPs in Menik Farm has come down to 94,000.

He met the IDPs and questioned them about conditions at welfare centres and the IDPs told him that they were satisfied. Mr. Blake asked them if there were any problems and they replied that they had no problems to mention.

The IDPs expressed satisfaction with the meals, medical services and sanitation in the centres as well as the freedom of movement now possible.

Mr. Blake was received by Major General Kamal Gunerathna and Mrs. P. S. M. Charles, the Government Agent of Vavuniya. The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Patricia A. Butenis joined Mr. Blake in his visit.