With regard to IDP welfare, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Karel De Gucht said, ‘the Government of Sri Lanka has taken steps in the right direction’.

“I urge the Government of Sri Lanka to enter into a constructive dialogue with the international aid community to allow for a transparent, credible and realistic handling of the humanitarian situation, including full and unimpeded access for all aid agencies and donors ready to provide assistance," he further stated.

The European Commission has recently allocated €5 million to provide humanitarian assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees and host families in Sri Lanka and another €1 million in humanitarian aid for Sri Lankan refugees living in camps in Tamil Nadu, India.

Since 2007, the Commission has given a total of more than €48 million in aid for the IDPs, including this allocation.

The Commission-funded humanitarian projects are implemented by non-governmental relief organizations, specialized UN agencies and the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement.