The Governments of India and Sri Lanka would soon be launching a massive housing programme in the Northern and Eastern Provinces , to meet the needs of the internally displaced due to terrorist action.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said it was a matter of great satisfaction to announce this joint programme to build 50,000 houses to give shelter to those forced to become Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) due to the violence in the conflict situation created by separatist terrorism.

This initiative is an outcome of the bilateral discussions that took place President Rajapaksa during the President’s current State Visit to between the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh and India.

President Rajapaksa is of the view that this contribution by India to ease the problem of housing for the IDPs is a further manifestation of the very deep and cordial relationship between India and Sri Lanka . It also indicates India ’s sincere commitment to Sri Lanka ’s speedy recovery from the conflict situation, moving towards rapid rehabilitation and development of the North and of the East and, further strengthening of national amity, the President said.

Instructions have been given by the President that the highest priority is assigned to the implementation of this housing programme, with steps being taken to ensure that the resources being made available by India will be utilized as expeditiously and productively as possible.