In less than a year Sri Lankan government has been able to resettle 232,060 of the IDPs in their native villages the average per day being 700. There had been 267,393 IDPs who fled the conflict areas and sought refuge in the cleared area. They were provided with basic facilities. The government successfully and effectively handled this human problem methodically speedily and humanely. The government is proud of this achievement. Nowhere in the world has a government faced a problem of such magnitude. This achievement deserves commendation.
As of today only 35,333 are to be resettled. Out of them, many leave the camp daily at will and return said Mr. Keheliya Rambukwella Minister of Mass Media and Communication addressing the media briefing held at the MCNS today(27).
The government has provided the IDPs with basic facilities and on building infrastructure. 35,333 IDP are to be resettled after the area of resettlement is fully cleared of landmines.
The IDPs have to be resettled in their original places and in safe surroundings, which means they have to be free from landmines. The government will resettle the remaining IDPs in the near future, the Minister assured.
Progress in Demining
The removal of landmines is being continued methodically. Already 275,000 landmines have been removed. Critics may be unaware of remarkable progress made. We however regret the baseless charges by various elements who have run short of slogans. The Sri Lanka Army has acted courageously and removed 95% the landmines the government has so far spent Rs. 860 million only on demining the Minister revealed.
The role of NGOs
A few NGOs who had visited the former war - affected areas had made adverse comments. They are not optimistic and add to the confusion. They have not realized the magnitude of the problems. Any NGO is free to visit the area and act with goodwill and good intentions. The government has no objection whatsoever the Minister assured.
Of course, there are shortcomings due to the magnitude of the problem and the sensitivity of the issue, the Minister explained.
Campus incident
The unfortunate incident that occurred in the University of Ruhuna has aroused a controversy. On 17 June Vice - Chancellor called the Police to campus to settle a dispute. Consequently, the University was closed down. The undergraduate Bandara had received medical treatment from time to time. Eventually he had got admitted to Badulla hospital and died on July 22. There had been a post - mortem inquiry and a magisterial inquiry will be held soon. Any member of the public may give evidence at this inquiry. So a proper legal procedure is being followed the Minister stressed.
Answering a query Minister emphasized that extremely cordial relationship exists between India and Sri Lanka. In this context an Indian envoy visit is absolutely in order India has been magnanimous. At a recent meeting, Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh pledged a grant of two hundred and fifty million In fact, the President had invited Tamilnadu parliamentarians to visit here and observe at first hand the situation.
Mr. Lakshman Hulugalle Director General Media Centre for National Security, Military Spokesman Ubaya Medawela, Navy Spokesman Captain Athula Senarath, Air force Spokesman Group Captain Janaka Nanayakkara and Police Spokesman SSP Prishantha Jayakodi also participated.
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