Resettlement of IDPs well under way -Govt.

(June 23, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The first phase of the overall relief, resettlement and livelihood support in the immediate-term 180-day programme for northern IDPs is well under way. This plan is to provide relief to resettled persons and the populations of Northern Province.

In a significant move, towards restoring livelihoods of the people of the North, the 24-hour restrictions on fishing off the coasts of Trincomalee, Mannar and Jaffna Districts have been lifted.

The opening of the A9 highway for transport of good by private business will also help the northern people by a larger supply of goods, reduced prices and better markets for their produce outside the North.

Work has already been undertaken in providing assistance to people engaged in agriculture, in areas where there is no risk of danger from land-mines

The Re-unification of IDPs is ongoing and to date over 3,150 reunifications have taken place. As at 09 June 2009, 4,330 persons have been allowed to leave the IDP relief villages and other sites in Jaffna, Mannar and Vavuniya. Further releases are envisaged in the near future after bona fides and capacities of prospective host families are established.

The resettlement of IDPs commenced with approximately 2,400 persons returned in Musali in the Mannar District.

The Ministry of Disaster Management & Human Rights states that mobile services will commence shortly to enable IDPs to obtain legal documentation such as birth certificates, national identity cards and other government certification. 33 Divisional Secretary Divisions will be covered by the mobile services.

Road development has commenced with the repair and development of the A9, A14 and A 32 highways.

17 new police stations will be established mainly focusing on the A9 and A32 highways (with a new DIG’s office in Kilinochchi and SSP’s offices in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi) by the end of 2009.

47 Ministries have been requested to draw up development plans in accordance with pre-set guidelines that will, when collated and compiled, provide a comprehensive development plan aimed at the restoration of normality in the Northern Province.

-Sri Lanka Guardian