Ms. KAMATA: Good morning, everybody. I am Yoshiko Kamata of IMF Media Relations. Thank you very much for joining this morning's conference call on Sri Lanka. As you know, we regularly host a press conference call like this following the Executive Board's approval of an IMF program. Here with me is Mr. Brian Aitken, Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, and he will be happy to take your questions.
MR. AITKEN: As you all know, the Executive Board on Friday approved the 20-month standby arrangement for Sri Lanka. The amount was 1.65 billion SDRs which comes to about $2.6 billion. The first tranche of that loan of about $322 million was made available Friday following Board approval.
So I am happy to answer your questions. I think we have about 30 minutes? Okay, so I welcome your questions. Thank you. Read more ...
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
US to provide Lanka with USD 8 million for IDPs
The US has announced USD 8 million assistance for the Tamil displaced persons in the North, but said the IDPs "need to be out of the welfare camps" soon and return to Wanni following the defeat of LTTE.
"The importance of prompt return (of IDPS) from the camps and we really stressed that is going to be a key objective and (Sri Lankan) government officials said it is but I think it is an issue that we need to keep pushing on", Eric Schwartz, Assistant Secretary, Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration of the US State Department, said. Read more ...
"The importance of prompt return (of IDPS) from the camps and we really stressed that is going to be a key objective and (Sri Lankan) government officials said it is but I think it is an issue that we need to keep pushing on", Eric Schwartz, Assistant Secretary, Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration of the US State Department, said. Read more ...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Colombo-Jaffna bus service
The Government yesterday restrengthened the link between the South and the North with the symbolical restarting of the Jaffna – Colombo CTB bus service along the A-9 road which was abandoned for the past two decades, enabling the people of Jaffna to reach the South through a land route.
Senior Presidential Advisor and MP Basil Rajapaksa inaugurated this bus service from Jaffna after deploying five buses from the Jaffna depot.
The five buses taking 225 passengers started their journey towards Colombo at 10.32 a.m from Duraiappa Stadium via Medwacchiya and then to Colombo.
The commencement of the bus service would be a direct result of the liberation of the entire country from the clutches of the LTTE by the Security Forces, as it had enabled to enshrine the Northern people who had been subjected to a decade of suffering at the hand of the LTTE, with their basic rights and facilities.
Transport services to Jaffna on the A-9 road came to a complete stand still on August 11, 2006 with the escalation of battles between the Security Forces and the LTTE and the transport service was recommenced only in April this year with the resumption of troop movements along the A-9 road and later with the commencement of transportation of essential goods. Read more ...
Senior Presidential Advisor and MP Basil Rajapaksa inaugurated this bus service from Jaffna after deploying five buses from the Jaffna depot.
The five buses taking 225 passengers started their journey towards Colombo at 10.32 a.m from Duraiappa Stadium via Medwacchiya and then to Colombo.
The commencement of the bus service would be a direct result of the liberation of the entire country from the clutches of the LTTE by the Security Forces, as it had enabled to enshrine the Northern people who had been subjected to a decade of suffering at the hand of the LTTE, with their basic rights and facilities.
Transport services to Jaffna on the A-9 road came to a complete stand still on August 11, 2006 with the escalation of battles between the Security Forces and the LTTE and the transport service was recommenced only in April this year with the resumption of troop movements along the A-9 road and later with the commencement of transportation of essential goods. Read more ...
Sri Lanka sets 6-month timeline
For the first time, Sri Lanka has set a six-month timeline for rehabilitating Tamils displaced by the recently ended conflict between its armed forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
Asked when the time limit for resettling the internally displaced persons began, Minister for Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama said, “a month has gone” and wanted the global community to appreciate that the war had ended less than two months back.
“It has been eight weeks [since the war ended],” he said after emerging from a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna, on the sidelines of a conference organised by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Mr. Bogollagama said the devolution of power to Tamils of Sri Lankan origin was part of the Constitution, and its implementation was part of the healing process, now that the more than two-decade-old conflict had ended. Read more ...
Asked when the time limit for resettling the internally displaced persons began, Minister for Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama said, “a month has gone” and wanted the global community to appreciate that the war had ended less than two months back.
“It has been eight weeks [since the war ended],” he said after emerging from a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna, on the sidelines of a conference organised by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Mr. Bogollagama said the devolution of power to Tamils of Sri Lankan origin was part of the Constitution, and its implementation was part of the healing process, now that the more than two-decade-old conflict had ended. Read more ...
Resettlement delayed until LTTE cadres rounded up – Mahinda S.
Resettling of the displaced people now living in welfare camps would be delayed till all LTTE cadres among them are apprehended and separated from them, Human Rights and Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told Parliament yesterday (22).
"The security forces have detected LTTE cadres who entered the welfare camps and live among the displaced people. They believe some more are there and with the information obtained from those under interrogation further apprehensions have to be made. There is no way of commencing resettlement until this process is over," he said during his reply in the adjournment debate on the plight of Internally Displaced Persons, moved by JVP Parliamentary Group Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Read more ...
"The security forces have detected LTTE cadres who entered the welfare camps and live among the displaced people. They believe some more are there and with the information obtained from those under interrogation further apprehensions have to be made. There is no way of commencing resettlement until this process is over," he said during his reply in the adjournment debate on the plight of Internally Displaced Persons, moved by JVP Parliamentary Group Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Read more ...
Feeding IDPs: WFP, INGOs ease govt. burden
The World Food Programme (WFP) and about a dozen other INGO/NGOs are helping the government provide three meals a day to nearly 300,000 internally displaced persons accommodated at welfare centres in the north.
Well informed sources told The Island that the WFP with the help of international donors had taken the responsibility to supply rice, flour, sugar, dhal, salt and vegetable oil to welfare centres managed by the Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Ministry. Sources said though the government had provided cooked meals to people reaching the government-held area initially, the WFP subsequently stepped-in with food aid.
Responding to our queries, sources said that WFP and a consortium of INGO/NGOs had contributed immensely to Sri Lanka’s overall plan to look after the displaced. Sources said though the government provided health facilities, water and electricity to welfare camps, the burden of providing food had been taken by the WFP. Read more ...
Well informed sources told The Island that the WFP with the help of international donors had taken the responsibility to supply rice, flour, sugar, dhal, salt and vegetable oil to welfare centres managed by the Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Ministry. Sources said though the government had provided cooked meals to people reaching the government-held area initially, the WFP subsequently stepped-in with food aid.
Responding to our queries, sources said that WFP and a consortium of INGO/NGOs had contributed immensely to Sri Lanka’s overall plan to look after the displaced. Sources said though the government provided health facilities, water and electricity to welfare camps, the burden of providing food had been taken by the WFP. Read more ...
Friday, July 17, 2009
Govt keen to resettle IDPs in shortest time
The Government is committed to resettle and rehabilitate Internally Displaced Persons in the North, who were the victims of the LTTE's terror and were held hostage by the LTTE, in the shortest possible time, President Mahinda Rajapaksa told UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon at bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 15th NAM Summit on Wednesday.
The UN Secretary General thanked the Sri Lankan Government for the excellent arrangements for his visit to Sri Lanka in the final stages of the battle with the LTTE.
The issue of IDPs, conditions in the IDP relief centres and the need for reconciliation among all communities were among the matters mentioned by the UN Secretary General during his discussions with President Rajapaksa.
He was told by the President that it was yet only eight weeks since the final liberation of the Tamil civilians from the LTTE, and the Government had demonstrated that it was doing its best to ease the conditions in the IDP relief centres during this period, and that conditions would further improve day-by-day. Read more ...
The UN Secretary General thanked the Sri Lankan Government for the excellent arrangements for his visit to Sri Lanka in the final stages of the battle with the LTTE.
The issue of IDPs, conditions in the IDP relief centres and the need for reconciliation among all communities were among the matters mentioned by the UN Secretary General during his discussions with President Rajapaksa.
He was told by the President that it was yet only eight weeks since the final liberation of the Tamil civilians from the LTTE, and the Government had demonstrated that it was doing its best to ease the conditions in the IDP relief centres during this period, and that conditions would further improve day-by-day. Read more ...
Re-settlement of IDPs in Kilinochchi district accelerated
The process of re-settling 20,000 IDP families in the Kilinochchi district is being accelerated following a Presidential directive. The Army too, had given its clearance last week. Power supplies are being restored to Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Oddisuddan and Nedunkerni from the national grid, Presidential Secretariat sources said.
Following a request made by Minister of Power and Energy W. D. J. Seneviratne, the Government set aside Rs. 1,500 million to restore supplies to the newly liberated districts in the North under the 180-day Uthuru Vasanthaya programme.
Chief Electrical Engineer of the CEB for the North Central Province, Priyantha Gunathilake said that with the restoration of supplies, the High Voltage lines are being drawn between a distance of 30 kms from Mankulam to Kilinochchi and 48 kms from Mankulam to Mullaitivu. Read more ...
Following a request made by Minister of Power and Energy W. D. J. Seneviratne, the Government set aside Rs. 1,500 million to restore supplies to the newly liberated districts in the North under the 180-day Uthuru Vasanthaya programme.
Chief Electrical Engineer of the CEB for the North Central Province, Priyantha Gunathilake said that with the restoration of supplies, the High Voltage lines are being drawn between a distance of 30 kms from Mankulam to Kilinochchi and 48 kms from Mankulam to Mullaitivu. Read more ...
Rajapaksa: committed to reconciliation
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has told U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that his government remains committed to the resettling and rehabilitating the nearly three lakh war displaced in the north of the country in the shortest possible time.
The issue of the war displaced, conditions in the relief centres and the need for reconciliation among all communities were discussed at the bilateral meeting between Mr. Rajapaksa and Mr. Ban on the sidelines of the 15th NAM Summit at Sharm-El-Sheikh in Egypt.
Mr. Rajapaksa told Mr. Ban it had only been eight weeks since the liberation of Tamil civilians from the LTTE and that the government had demonstrated it was doing its best to ease conditions in the relief centres and they would improve further day by day. Read more ...
The issue of the war displaced, conditions in the relief centres and the need for reconciliation among all communities were discussed at the bilateral meeting between Mr. Rajapaksa and Mr. Ban on the sidelines of the 15th NAM Summit at Sharm-El-Sheikh in Egypt.
Mr. Rajapaksa told Mr. Ban it had only been eight weeks since the liberation of Tamil civilians from the LTTE and that the government had demonstrated it was doing its best to ease conditions in the relief centres and they would improve further day by day. Read more ...
Indian Troops To Help Demine Sri Lanka
India will send troops to Sri Lanka to help in demining efforts, even as the island nation has canceled weapon and equipment purchases from China and Pakistan.
About 500 Indian troops will help Sri Lanka demine the areas where the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) fighters had been operating for more than two decades, a senior Indian Defence Ministry official said.
The dispatch of Indian troops coincides with an official announcement that Colombo is canceling a $200 million purchase of ammunition from China and Pakistan. Although the island nation said this move is prompted by the end of hostilities with LTTE, a Foreign Office official said it is a major win for India. Read more ...
About 500 Indian troops will help Sri Lanka demine the areas where the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) fighters had been operating for more than two decades, a senior Indian Defence Ministry official said.
The dispatch of Indian troops coincides with an official announcement that Colombo is canceling a $200 million purchase of ammunition from China and Pakistan. Although the island nation said this move is prompted by the end of hostilities with LTTE, a Foreign Office official said it is a major win for India. Read more ...
Sri Lanka - HSBC pledges Rs.4.1mn to assist IDPs
HSBC pledged Rs 4.1 Million to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), to assist the displaced civilians in Sri Lanka’s North and East.
The funds will be utilized for the procurement of non-food relief items such as bed sheets, mosquito nets, jerry cans, towels, slippers and clothing for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the North and East, said a UNHCR press release issued in Colombo. Read more ...
The funds will be utilized for the procurement of non-food relief items such as bed sheets, mosquito nets, jerry cans, towels, slippers and clothing for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the North and East, said a UNHCR press release issued in Colombo. Read more ...
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Vavuniya a hive of activity
The Vavuniya city now transformed as a nerve centre of the Northern province is bustling with activities this weekend with the `Uthuru Vasanthaya' development project's mobile services conducted by the Public Administration Ministry, election meetings and crowded sreets, reports said.
The two-day mobile services conducted by over 20 government departments with senior officials and ministry secretaries are being held at the Vavuniya Tamil Central College. Over 5,000 people, a majority of them seeking to obtain or renew NICs, Driving Licences and Passports and Birth Certificates, were present yesterday. Some of them received free pairs of spectacles and various payments due to them. Over 2,000 school children sitting the Year Five scholarship examination turned up to receive their postal Identity Cards. Read more ...
The two-day mobile services conducted by over 20 government departments with senior officials and ministry secretaries are being held at the Vavuniya Tamil Central College. Over 5,000 people, a majority of them seeking to obtain or renew NICs, Driving Licences and Passports and Birth Certificates, were present yesterday. Some of them received free pairs of spectacles and various payments due to them. Over 2,000 school children sitting the Year Five scholarship examination turned up to receive their postal Identity Cards. Read more ...
North to see massive development
With the end of the fighting in the north and east, the government has planned several ambitious development projects to galvanise an area which has been long ravaged by war. Much preparation and reconstruction work is to be done as part of the early recovery efforts, and the government is looking to local and foreign investors to make this possible.
Massive projects are being planned in the road, railway and electricity sectors, and industrial development in the north will be encouraged. Secretary to the Highways and Road Development Ministry, Sirisena Amarasekera told The Sunday Leader that many donor agencies including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Spanish Government have come forward to develop the road network in the northern peninsula. Read more ...
Massive projects are being planned in the road, railway and electricity sectors, and industrial development in the north will be encouraged. Secretary to the Highways and Road Development Ministry, Sirisena Amarasekera told The Sunday Leader that many donor agencies including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Spanish Government have come forward to develop the road network in the northern peninsula. Read more ...
Significant improvement in IDP camps - UNHCR
The United Nations agencies and International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) have observed a significant improvement in humanitarian access to IDP sites in the North.
While commending the improved facilities at camps for the displaced, the report noted a decreased military presence inside the camps.
According to the latest UNHCR report, the improved access has allowed more effective implementation of activities to enable a better living condition to the displaced persons. So far, around 4,300 displaced persons, mostly elderly and sick, have been released and the government has announced that another 9,000 have been cleared for release.
As of July 9, the UN World Food Program (WFP) continues to provide dry rations including wheat flour, rice, dhal, vegetable oil and sugar to meet the food needs of the over 280,000 newly displaced IDPs in camps, according to the UN Office of the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator (UNR/HC). Read more ...
While commending the improved facilities at camps for the displaced, the report noted a decreased military presence inside the camps.
According to the latest UNHCR report, the improved access has allowed more effective implementation of activities to enable a better living condition to the displaced persons. So far, around 4,300 displaced persons, mostly elderly and sick, have been released and the government has announced that another 9,000 have been cleared for release.
As of July 9, the UN World Food Program (WFP) continues to provide dry rations including wheat flour, rice, dhal, vegetable oil and sugar to meet the food needs of the over 280,000 newly displaced IDPs in camps, according to the UN Office of the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator (UNR/HC). Read more ...
Govt. expands IDP facilities
Ministry of Health has decided to increase the Chettikulam Welfare complex by two more villages in the near future as the already established five villages are inadequate to meet the basic needs of the displaced people there, IDPs Health Care Director Dr. Hemantha Herath said yesterday.
“At present there are around 80,000 IDPs. The Ministry has decided to increase the welfare villages so that the IDP’s could live more comfortably until they get their own shelter. However, the health care services at the Chettikulam Welfare Villages are functioning even now effectively and smoothly,” Dr.Herath said
The Director also said that the IDPs of different age groups are leading a healthier and happier life than they did under the LTTE rule. We are proud to say that a very few cases of chickenpox and hepatitis are being reported now. Even the water supply and the sanitary facilities have improved in the welfare camps but amenities should be improved further,” he said. Read more ...
“At present there are around 80,000 IDPs. The Ministry has decided to increase the welfare villages so that the IDP’s could live more comfortably until they get their own shelter. However, the health care services at the Chettikulam Welfare Villages are functioning even now effectively and smoothly,” Dr.Herath said
The Director also said that the IDPs of different age groups are leading a healthier and happier life than they did under the LTTE rule. We are proud to say that a very few cases of chickenpox and hepatitis are being reported now. Even the water supply and the sanitary facilities have improved in the welfare camps but amenities should be improved further,” he said. Read more ...
Govt wants UN to review its figures on casualties
The Government wants the United Nations (UN) to review its figures of civilian casualties it alleges took place during the past few months of fighting between the Government and the LTTE in the north in the wake of the doctors who served in the area stating they were forced by the Tigers to give bogus figures.
“They (UN) must review the figures in the light of what the doctors are saying because they were quoting them as the source of that information,” Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said. Figures show more than 7,000 civilians were killed between January and May. Figures show more than 7,000 civilians were killed between January and May. Read more ...
“They (UN) must review the figures in the light of what the doctors are saying because they were quoting them as the source of that information,” Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said. Figures show more than 7,000 civilians were killed between January and May. Figures show more than 7,000 civilians were killed between January and May. Read more ...
Lights for Kilinochchi in two weeks
Following the installation of a transformer near the Iranamadhu Tank at Kilinochchi electricity to Kilinochchi area will be supplied within the next two weeks, according to `Uthuru Wasanthaya' Programs Project Manager Gratian Muthukuda Arachchi.
He said darkness of the Northern Province will soon be dispelled with light under the Uthuru Wasanthaya program.
The Uthuru Wasanthaya Program's Project Manager, Gratian Muthukuda Arachchi said the entire Northern Province will be provided with electricity within the next two years under the Uthuru Wasanthaya program to re-build the electricity sector ravaged by three decades of the separatist war. The entire project will cost around Rs. 6 billion, which will be borne by the State.
Meanwhile the first transformer was installed last week near the Iranamadhu Tank at Kilinochchi to provide electricity to Kilinochchi area within the next two weeks. Read more ...
He said darkness of the Northern Province will soon be dispelled with light under the Uthuru Wasanthaya program.
The Uthuru Wasanthaya Program's Project Manager, Gratian Muthukuda Arachchi said the entire Northern Province will be provided with electricity within the next two years under the Uthuru Wasanthaya program to re-build the electricity sector ravaged by three decades of the separatist war. The entire project will cost around Rs. 6 billion, which will be borne by the State.
Meanwhile the first transformer was installed last week near the Iranamadhu Tank at Kilinochchi to provide electricity to Kilinochchi area within the next two weeks. Read more ...
IDPs struck by meningitis and encephalitis
Six doctors are to visit IDP camps in Vavuniya tomorrow to investigate a suspected outbreak of meningitis and encephalitis, reported from the Vavuniya General Hospital, with the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) charging that a severe shortage of nurses and pharmacists in the camps is compounding health problems there.
Reports say while 65 adults are suffering from either one of the ailments, 35 have died so far. Several displaced children at the Vavuniya General Hospital too are suspected to be suffering from the two illness.
More than 1200 IDPs are receiving treatment at the Vavuniya Hospital, for different ailments, currently.
The Health Ministry could not confirm the number of deaths, however a high ranking official who did not want to be quoted admitted that the fatality rate in cases such as meningitis is high as it affects the brain.
“Fatalities are high in such cases, but there is nothing to be alarmed about these figures as they are normal when compared with the population of IDPs we are dealing with,” he said. The Ministry official also said the problem has been in existence in the camps over the past three to four months. Read more ...
Reports say while 65 adults are suffering from either one of the ailments, 35 have died so far. Several displaced children at the Vavuniya General Hospital too are suspected to be suffering from the two illness.
More than 1200 IDPs are receiving treatment at the Vavuniya Hospital, for different ailments, currently.
The Health Ministry could not confirm the number of deaths, however a high ranking official who did not want to be quoted admitted that the fatality rate in cases such as meningitis is high as it affects the brain.
“Fatalities are high in such cases, but there is nothing to be alarmed about these figures as they are normal when compared with the population of IDPs we are dealing with,” he said. The Ministry official also said the problem has been in existence in the camps over the past three to four months. Read more ...
Visit by ministers to Jaffna bears fruit
Minister of Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operatives and Consumer Services, Bandula Gunawardene, has assured Jaffna consumers of the availability of consumer goods at fair prices with the setting up three Co-op City outlets by end of this month. The Minister stated during a ministerial delegation visit to Jaffna this week.
Speaking to The Nation Minister of Indigenous Medicine, Tissa Karalliadda explained that Minister Bandula Gunawardene had assessed consumer woes while Minister of Power and Energy Mahindananda Aluthgamage involved in finalising the timeframe for electrification of North and he was entrusted with the upliftment of indigenous medicine there.
“During a meeting with the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce, Jaffna Traders and Agrarian Associations organised by Minister Douglas Devananda, Minister Gunawardene promised Jaffna business leaders that he will set up three Co-op City outlets in Jaffna and to link them with the Narahenpitia Dedicated Economic Centre.” Minister Karalliadda said. Read more ...
Speaking to The Nation Minister of Indigenous Medicine, Tissa Karalliadda explained that Minister Bandula Gunawardene had assessed consumer woes while Minister of Power and Energy Mahindananda Aluthgamage involved in finalising the timeframe for electrification of North and he was entrusted with the upliftment of indigenous medicine there.
“During a meeting with the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce, Jaffna Traders and Agrarian Associations organised by Minister Douglas Devananda, Minister Gunawardene promised Jaffna business leaders that he will set up three Co-op City outlets in Jaffna and to link them with the Narahenpitia Dedicated Economic Centre.” Minister Karalliadda said. Read more ...
Talks with Indian leaders yield results
The Indian government has set apart Indian Rs. 500 crore (SL Rs. 11.9 billion) for North East reconstruction and resettlement of IDPs in the annual Budget, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee unveiled in Indian Parliament recently.
This was another outcome of talks that President’s Senior Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga held with the Indian leaders in New Delhi last month.
Minister Mukherjee in his Budget speech reiterated his government’s commitment to help Sri Lankan Tamils secure their democratic rights and fulfill their legitimate aspirations within the parameters of the country’s sovereignty and the Constitution. “Our External Affairs Ministry is closely working with the Sri Lankan Government towards this end,” Mukherjee who himself was a former External Affairs Minister told Parliament. Read more ...
This was another outcome of talks that President’s Senior Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga held with the Indian leaders in New Delhi last month.
Minister Mukherjee in his Budget speech reiterated his government’s commitment to help Sri Lankan Tamils secure their democratic rights and fulfill their legitimate aspirations within the parameters of the country’s sovereignty and the Constitution. “Our External Affairs Ministry is closely working with the Sri Lankan Government towards this end,” Mukherjee who himself was a former External Affairs Minister told Parliament. Read more ...
Saturday, July 11, 2009
A second life, says official
It is a fairy tale happy re-union for Thuraiyappah Sathayaseelan, an Assistant Director in the Sri Lanka Ministry of Education, from a camp in Vavuniya for the war displaced to his family and colleagues at Vadamarachi.
The case of Mr. Sathaseelan was reported in The Hindu dated May 28 (Senior Tamil officer in search of his family). The officer who would attain his retirement age of 60 on October 31 was working in the Zonal Education Office at Vadamarachi in Jaffna peninsula.
A cruel twist in his life on August 11, 2006 displaced him from his four-member family at Vadamarachi, left him with no choice but to be a captive of the LTTE at Kilinochchi till November and end up among the last batch of civilians to run away from the Tigers into the government-controlled territory. Read more ...
The case of Mr. Sathaseelan was reported in The Hindu dated May 28 (Senior Tamil officer in search of his family). The officer who would attain his retirement age of 60 on October 31 was working in the Zonal Education Office at Vadamarachi in Jaffna peninsula.
A cruel twist in his life on August 11, 2006 displaced him from his four-member family at Vadamarachi, left him with no choice but to be a captive of the LTTE at Kilinochchi till November and end up among the last batch of civilians to run away from the Tigers into the government-controlled territory. Read more ...
We continue to support operations in IDP camps in north- UN
Six weeks after the conclusion of the war in Sri Lanka, the UN continues to support the Government of Sri Lanka's operations in the camps in Vavuniya, Jaffna and Trincomalee, the office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sri Lanka said in a statement.
These camps currently hold approximately 280,000 people, and although conditions have improved as the weeks go by much remains to be done. In the meanwhile, the UN will support the programmes of the Government helped by Sri Lankans from all over the world as well as the significant contributions made by dozens of NGO partners. Read more ...
These camps currently hold approximately 280,000 people, and although conditions have improved as the weeks go by much remains to be done. In the meanwhile, the UN will support the programmes of the Government helped by Sri Lankans from all over the world as well as the significant contributions made by dozens of NGO partners. Read more ...
Malwatta Mahanayaka Thero tells IDPs in the North they will be resettled in their original villages
The most venerable Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero, Mahanayaka of the Malwatte Chapter of the Siamese sect visited the IDP Welfare Center in Settikulam in Northern Sri Lanka today(July 10) and assured the inmates that they will be resettled in their original villages as soon as possible.
The Mahanayaka of Malwatte, is the chief monk of the largest Buddhist denomination in Sri Lanka and his visit, a first for some one who has held this office, is considered to be a historical one.
He intimated to the Tamil civilians, who were displaced by the recent war by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ( LTTE) the determination of the country's President to resettle them, in their original villages, as soon as they have been made safe for the civilians . It is believed thousands of land mines have been buried in their settlements as well as in their rice fields. Read more ...
The Mahanayaka of Malwatte, is the chief monk of the largest Buddhist denomination in Sri Lanka and his visit, a first for some one who has held this office, is considered to be a historical one.
He intimated to the Tamil civilians, who were displaced by the recent war by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ( LTTE) the determination of the country's President to resettle them, in their original villages, as soon as they have been made safe for the civilians . It is believed thousands of land mines have been buried in their settlements as well as in their rice fields. Read more ...
SC orders physician to examine child
The Supreme Court yesterday ordered the consultant physician of the Anuradhapura Hospital to examine the displaced child whom he had earlier refused to examine without a Court order.
Senior State Counsel Riyaz Hamza informed Court that the child had been produced at the Vavuniya Hospital and later at the Anuradhapura Hospital. He told Court that he would look for the possibility of releasing the family. Counsel Saliya Pieris also moved for the release of the family since they had two houses in Vavuniya and Colombo.
The Bench comprised Justice Nimal Gamini Amaratunga, Justice P.A. Ratnayake PC and Justice Chandra Ekanayake.
Petitioner Attorney-at-Law Gauri Shangari Tawarasa filed the rights application on behalf of five members in the same family seeking their re-unification and release from the welfare centres. The case was put off for July 20.
Meanwhile, Deputy Solicitor General Shaveendra Fernando submitted to Court that around 8,600 IDPs had been released until July 7 from welfare centres in the North and the Attorney General informed the Supreme Court yesterday, in the rights application filed by Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA). Read more ...
Senior State Counsel Riyaz Hamza informed Court that the child had been produced at the Vavuniya Hospital and later at the Anuradhapura Hospital. He told Court that he would look for the possibility of releasing the family. Counsel Saliya Pieris also moved for the release of the family since they had two houses in Vavuniya and Colombo.
The Bench comprised Justice Nimal Gamini Amaratunga, Justice P.A. Ratnayake PC and Justice Chandra Ekanayake.
Petitioner Attorney-at-Law Gauri Shangari Tawarasa filed the rights application on behalf of five members in the same family seeking their re-unification and release from the welfare centres. The case was put off for July 20.
Meanwhile, Deputy Solicitor General Shaveendra Fernando submitted to Court that around 8,600 IDPs had been released until July 7 from welfare centres in the North and the Attorney General informed the Supreme Court yesterday, in the rights application filed by Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA). Read more ...
Madhu Feast on a grand scale in August
All plans are afoot to hold the annual feast of Our Lady of Madhu on a grand scale from August 6, with Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa MP, personally monitoring the arrangements for the convenience of pilgrims.
A discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday chaired by Basil Rajapaksa MP with the participation of the Catholic clergy and Government officials involved in facilitating the Feast through various channels to evaluate the progress of the preparations for the occasion. MP Rajapaksa instructed officials to finalise all pre-arrangements by the end of this month, including the upgrading of infrastructure facilities with the provision of other amenities to cater to the large number of devotees expected at this year’s feast.
The feast will last for 10 days from August 6 to 15. Around 500,000 devotees are expected at this year’s Feast. “We are grateful to our heroic Forces for their great sacrifices to liberate this country entirely from the clutches of terrorism.
“As a result, we are today able to hold the annual feast of ‘Our Lady Madhu’ in a liberated nation,” Rajapaksa said. Read more ...
A discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday chaired by Basil Rajapaksa MP with the participation of the Catholic clergy and Government officials involved in facilitating the Feast through various channels to evaluate the progress of the preparations for the occasion. MP Rajapaksa instructed officials to finalise all pre-arrangements by the end of this month, including the upgrading of infrastructure facilities with the provision of other amenities to cater to the large number of devotees expected at this year’s feast.
The feast will last for 10 days from August 6 to 15. Around 500,000 devotees are expected at this year’s Feast. “We are grateful to our heroic Forces for their great sacrifices to liberate this country entirely from the clutches of terrorism.
“As a result, we are today able to hold the annual feast of ‘Our Lady Madhu’ in a liberated nation,” Rajapaksa said. Read more ...
Gully bowzers for IDP villages
UNICEF has donated ten Gully bowzers to the Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services to be used for improving hygienic facilities at the IDP villages in Vavuniya, Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said.
The donation which costs Rs. 50 million was made by the local representative of UNICEF Philip Dumelle.
During the presentation, the local representative was made aware of the measures taken by the Government to facilitate the IDPs by Minister Bathiudeen.
The Minister pointed out that several welfare measures have been implemented to promote facilities to IDPs on the advice and guidance of the President. Source:
The donation which costs Rs. 50 million was made by the local representative of UNICEF Philip Dumelle.
During the presentation, the local representative was made aware of the measures taken by the Government to facilitate the IDPs by Minister Bathiudeen.
The Minister pointed out that several welfare measures have been implemented to promote facilities to IDPs on the advice and guidance of the President. Source:
Indian assistance timely - Minister
The leader of the Up Country People's Front and Community Development and Social Inequity Eradication Minister P. Chandrasekeran has expressed appreciations to Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Finance Minister Pranab Mukerjee of the Central Government for allocating Rs. 500 Indian crore in his new budget for the enhancement and the welfare of the people who are affected due to the war and accommodated in the make shift camps, a release from the Ministry said.
The Indian assistance at this juncture is very important and timely and we welcome this support as it has understood the situation in the make shift camps. It is apparent that India has readily come forward to offer a huge amount of money when a request is made by Sri Lanka to the foreign countries to help her in her hour of need. Read more ...
The Indian assistance at this juncture is very important and timely and we welcome this support as it has understood the situation in the make shift camps. It is apparent that India has readily come forward to offer a huge amount of money when a request is made by Sri Lanka to the foreign countries to help her in her hour of need. Read more ...
Saudi Arabia Delivers Humanitarian Aid to Sri Lanka
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has delivered more than 100,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka in the past week. The Sri Lankan government received the second shipment of emergency assistance, including foodstuffs, medicines, rugs, blankets and tents, in Colombo today. The first shipment of supplies was delivered on July 8.
The emergency provisions delivered this week were contributed by Saudi Arabia to aid to the humanitarian crisis caused by the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans.
In the first six months of 2009, Saudi Arabia has donated more than $6 million in foreign aid to the region and continues to provide relief aide for victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, including:
-- $3 million to the Islamic Development Bank delivered on June 21 by the Saudi Charitable Campaign for the Relief of the Victims of the Earthquake and Tsunami in East Asia. Read more ...
The emergency provisions delivered this week were contributed by Saudi Arabia to aid to the humanitarian crisis caused by the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans.
In the first six months of 2009, Saudi Arabia has donated more than $6 million in foreign aid to the region and continues to provide relief aide for victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, including:
-- $3 million to the Islamic Development Bank delivered on June 21 by the Saudi Charitable Campaign for the Relief of the Victims of the Earthquake and Tsunami in East Asia. Read more ...
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sri Lanka – Complex Emergency Fact Sheet #14 (FY 2009)
OCHA reported that nearly 280,000 IDPs resided in temporary camps as of June 26, including approximately 260,000 people in Vavuniya District camps.
The GoSL requested that ICRC scale down activities in response to the changing humanitarian context. ICRC has begun discussions with GoSL authorities and is reviewing current operations, according to a July 9 ICRC press release.
According to a July 7 UNHCR report, U.N. agencies and NGOs have observed a significant improvement in humanitarian access to IDP sites, as well as a decreased military presence inside the camps. The improved access has allowed more effective implementation of activities to address IDP needs.
According to UNHCR participatory assessments, as of July 7, IDPs have identified overcrowded camp conditions, insufficient access to health care services, and lack of information on separated family members as key concerns. Read more ...
The GoSL requested that ICRC scale down activities in response to the changing humanitarian context. ICRC has begun discussions with GoSL authorities and is reviewing current operations, according to a July 9 ICRC press release.
According to a July 7 UNHCR report, U.N. agencies and NGOs have observed a significant improvement in humanitarian access to IDP sites, as well as a decreased military presence inside the camps. The improved access has allowed more effective implementation of activities to address IDP needs.
According to UNHCR participatory assessments, as of July 7, IDPs have identified overcrowded camp conditions, insufficient access to health care services, and lack of information on separated family members as key concerns. Read more ...
Colombo-Jaffna bus service soon
Jaffna luxury bus service will be launched along the A9 road soon, Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma told parliament yesterday that .
The Minister made this point in response to a statement made by UNP MP Edward Gunasekera that 200 buses were to be leased by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board to operate in Jaffna. Minister Alhaperuma said the decision to lease buses was taken in a bid to reduce the burden on the Treasury.
The Minister also said it would take at least one year for the Yaldevi train to resume normal operations.
He also told the House that the Central Bus stand in Jaffna would be developed as a model bus stand.
He said the Jaffna Bus stand was adjudged the third best Bus stand in the country at a competition conducted by the SLCTB recently. Read more ...
The Minister made this point in response to a statement made by UNP MP Edward Gunasekera that 200 buses were to be leased by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board to operate in Jaffna. Minister Alhaperuma said the decision to lease buses was taken in a bid to reduce the burden on the Treasury.
The Minister also said it would take at least one year for the Yaldevi train to resume normal operations.
He also told the House that the Central Bus stand in Jaffna would be developed as a model bus stand.
He said the Jaffna Bus stand was adjudged the third best Bus stand in the country at a competition conducted by the SLCTB recently. Read more ...
Lifestyle of IDPs in North enhanced: Rotary International
The living standards of over 3000 Internally Displaced Persons, who are currently residing at the Menik farm IDP Camp in Settikulam, had been considerably enhanced with the facilities and special care granted to them by Rotary International, amidst various organisations committed to do so along with the government.
Rotary International District 3220, Sri Lanka is a leading organization committed to uplift the lives of nearly 300,000 IDPs in these camps supervised by the government presently.
Addressing a special press briefing Rotary International District 3220 Secretary, Gehan Siribaddana, said that the government had permitted them to look into the welfare of 3800 IDPs. As a result, a 20-acre block of land was cleared with the assistance of the army to build temporary shelters. Five hundred makeshift tents were donated by District 3220 for the IDPs. Read more ...
Rotary International District 3220, Sri Lanka is a leading organization committed to uplift the lives of nearly 300,000 IDPs in these camps supervised by the government presently.
Addressing a special press briefing Rotary International District 3220 Secretary, Gehan Siribaddana, said that the government had permitted them to look into the welfare of 3800 IDPs. As a result, a 20-acre block of land was cleared with the assistance of the army to build temporary shelters. Five hundred makeshift tents were donated by District 3220 for the IDPs. Read more ...
UN says it would not change its stance on civilian casualty figures in Sri Lanka
The United Nations yesterday said that it would not change its initial assessment of civilian casualties due to the war although the doctors from the war zone admitted that they have misled the international community giving false figures.
"The UN stands by the statements it made with regard to the conflict," UN spokesperson in Sri Lanka Gordon Weiss said.
On Wednesday, five doctors who were within the LTTE held areas up until the conclusion of the conflict, admitted to having exaggerated the number of casualties due to the threat from the Tamil Tigers.
Later, the UN quoted these doctors in their assessments of the death toll. Read more ...
See also: UN will not revise its casualty figures
"The UN stands by the statements it made with regard to the conflict," UN spokesperson in Sri Lanka Gordon Weiss said.
On Wednesday, five doctors who were within the LTTE held areas up until the conclusion of the conflict, admitted to having exaggerated the number of casualties due to the threat from the Tamil Tigers.
Later, the UN quoted these doctors in their assessments of the death toll. Read more ...
See also: UN will not revise its casualty figures
Significant improvement in humanitarian access to IDP sites in Sri Lanka - UNHCR report
U.N. agencies and NGOs have observed a significant improvement in humanitarian access to IDP sites in Sri Lanka's North, as well as a decreased military presence inside the camps, a recent report released by the UNHCR said.
According to a July 7 UNHCR report, the improved access has allowed more effective implementation of activities to address the needs of the Internally Displaced Persons.
However, the UNHCR report says, freedom of movement remains the overriding issue with nearly 280,000 IDPs confined within the camps, restricting their ability to access employment, attend regular schools, visit family and friends, and ultimately choose their place of residence.
To date, some 4,300 IDPs, mostly elderly, have been released and the government has announced that another 9,000 have been cleared for release. Read more ...
According to a July 7 UNHCR report, the improved access has allowed more effective implementation of activities to address the needs of the Internally Displaced Persons.
However, the UNHCR report says, freedom of movement remains the overriding issue with nearly 280,000 IDPs confined within the camps, restricting their ability to access employment, attend regular schools, visit family and friends, and ultimately choose their place of residence.
To date, some 4,300 IDPs, mostly elderly, have been released and the government has announced that another 9,000 have been cleared for release. Read more ...
Saudi relief supplies arrive in Lanka
On the instructions of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, relief supplies from Saudi Arabia arrived at Colombo airport on Wednesday for distribution among refugees of the recent fighting in Sri Lanka.
Some 300,000 Sri Lankans have been displaced by the war to recapture rebel-held territories in north and east of the island. Read more ...
Some 300,000 Sri Lankans have been displaced by the war to recapture rebel-held territories in north and east of the island. Read more ...
India ready to help in de-mining
India has expressed her willingness to help Colombo in de-mining activities in the North where the LTTE has buried a uncountable number of mines.
Meanwhile,Sri Lankan Security forces have near completed de-mining in many areas liberated the LTTE grip recently.
The Indian government has expressed willingness to support to expedite the task of de-mining the former troubled areas where the LTTE buried untold number of landmines. Read more ...
Meanwhile,Sri Lankan Security forces have near completed de-mining in many areas liberated the LTTE grip recently.
The Indian government has expressed willingness to support to expedite the task of de-mining the former troubled areas where the LTTE buried untold number of landmines. Read more ...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Immunisation for children in relief centres
The Health Ministry will launch an immunisation program for children below five years at Relief Centres in Vavuniya.
Under this scheme, children below the age of one, will be vaccinated against measles and female children above the age of one will be given Rubella vaccination.
“These children while under the LTTE control were denied of any such facilities,” Ministry sources said. Source:
Under this scheme, children below the age of one, will be vaccinated against measles and female children above the age of one will be given Rubella vaccination.
“These children while under the LTTE control were denied of any such facilities,” Ministry sources said. Source:
Master plan for Vavuniya underway
A master plan for Vavuniya under the UN Millennium Development Goals with roads, irrigation and other infrastructure development and resettlement of internally displaced costing Rs. 600 million is being prepared by district officials.
The plan was discussed at a meeting presided by District Secretary P. S. M. Charles. She said another meeting among UN officials, local NGOs and district government officials was also held to discuss the preparedness to face the next monsoon season that continues for three to four months at the last quarter of the year in the district, especially the management of runoff rainwater and providing sanitary facilities to the people. Read more ...
The plan was discussed at a meeting presided by District Secretary P. S. M. Charles. She said another meeting among UN officials, local NGOs and district government officials was also held to discuss the preparedness to face the next monsoon season that continues for three to four months at the last quarter of the year in the district, especially the management of runoff rainwater and providing sanitary facilities to the people. Read more ...
Sri Lanka says 60% of total package for humanitarian work pledged by donors
Sri Lanka announced that 60 per cent of the total aid package of US$ 155 million sought for humanitarian work in Sri Lanka have been pledged by the donors.
Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told local media that they have also received US$ 40 million in aid from donors in addition to the aid package. Read more ...
Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told local media that they have also received US$ 40 million in aid from donors in addition to the aid package. Read more ...
Sri Lanka's former rebel capital to light up from July 10th
Sri Lanka government is to light up Kilinochchi, the LTTE rebels' former capital of its de-facto state on July 10th.
The Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) E.M.S.K Edirisinghe said they have already completed the initial steps to provide electricity to Kilinochchi.
As the second step of this project the CEB hopes to provide electricity to recently liberated Mullaitivu city, he added. Read more ...
The Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) E.M.S.K Edirisinghe said they have already completed the initial steps to provide electricity to Kilinochchi.
As the second step of this project the CEB hopes to provide electricity to recently liberated Mullaitivu city, he added. Read more ...
Road near the Temple of Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka's hill country to be reopened
Sri Lanka government is planning to reopen the road near the most sacred Temple of Tooth Relic in Kandy after nearly 10 years.
The government Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the road will be reopened for only light vehicles and civilians in the near future.
However, a date for reopening the road has not been decided yet by the government.
Following the suicide attack on the most sacred Temple of Tooth Relic in Kandy in 1998 by the LTTE the road near the temple was closed for civilians resulting in inconveniences to vehicle and civilian traffic. Source:
The government Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the road will be reopened for only light vehicles and civilians in the near future.
However, a date for reopening the road has not been decided yet by the government.
Following the suicide attack on the most sacred Temple of Tooth Relic in Kandy in 1998 by the LTTE the road near the temple was closed for civilians resulting in inconveniences to vehicle and civilian traffic. Source:
TN CM hails setting aside of Rs 500 crore for Sri Lankan Tamils
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Monday welcomed the announcements made in the Union budget including allocation of Rs 500 crore for rehabilitation of Tamils refugees in Sri Lanka.
"I express my thanks for the allocation of Rs 500 crore towards rehabilitation of Sri Lankan Tamils as announced earlier by the Prime Minister. The Budget placed priority to social justice and would be beneficial to all sections of society," he said. Read more ...
India offers $146m for Tamils
"I express my thanks for the allocation of Rs 500 crore towards rehabilitation of Sri Lankan Tamils as announced earlier by the Prime Minister. The Budget placed priority to social justice and would be beneficial to all sections of society," he said. Read more ...
India offers $146m for Tamils
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sri Lanka Red Cross Society ready to accept Captain Ali relief items
The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society today said that they are ready to accept the essential items carried by the controversial "Captain Ali" vessel to distribute among the Internally Displaced Persons in the North.
Neville Nanayakkara, the Director General of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society told the media that it has decided to accept the load according to an appeal made by the India government.
He said that the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society has already informed it to the Red Cross Society in India. Read more ...
Neville Nanayakkara, the Director General of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society told the media that it has decided to accept the load according to an appeal made by the India government.
He said that the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society has already informed it to the Red Cross Society in India. Read more ...
Kuwait Red Crescent donates relief material
Kuwait Red Crescent Society donated Rs. 100 million relief material to be distributed among Internally Displaced Persons in Vuvuniya.
A five member delegation from Kuwait headed by Maitham MYA Mal Allah of the Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society donated the goods to Director (WFP) Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development Ministry Anuradha Kumarasiri at the Bandaranaike International Airport VIP Lounge. Read more ...
A five member delegation from Kuwait headed by Maitham MYA Mal Allah of the Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society donated the goods to Director (WFP) Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development Ministry Anuradha Kumarasiri at the Bandaranaike International Airport VIP Lounge. Read more ...
Discharge IDPs with own houses from Wanni camps, says TNA MP Srikantha
N Srikantha and other TNA lawmakers attended an all party conference held by the President for the first time in several years signaling thereby a change of heart in synch with the times. They appreciate the government efforts at resettling the IDPs but have their own views on how the work should progress. Read more ...
Visiting the Vavuniya IDP camps: an uplifting experience
The last phase of Sri Lanka’s low-intensity military conflict saw the elimination of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam as a military force. It simultaneously witnessed a poignant human drama in which some 300,000 Tamil civilians were rescued by force of arms from a terrorist organisation that, claiming to fight for their freedom, had no compunction in using them as a human shield.
Most of these internally displaced Sri Lankans are now housed and cared for by the government in transitional relief camps located in five demarcated zones of the 1500-acre Menik Farm on the outskirts of the town of Vavuniya in the mainland North. International concern has been expressed over the present condition and the future of these Tamil civilians, who include a large number of children, women, and senior citizens. Read more ...
Most of these internally displaced Sri Lankans are now housed and cared for by the government in transitional relief camps located in five demarcated zones of the 1500-acre Menik Farm on the outskirts of the town of Vavuniya in the mainland North. International concern has been expressed over the present condition and the future of these Tamil civilians, who include a large number of children, women, and senior citizens. Read more ...
UNHCR helps first IDP returns to Ampara
With the return of one thousand families for re-settle in the Ampara district on July 02 the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and partners have assisted with Government of Sri Lanka to the return process in Ampara today, marking the first Government-organized return movement in the district in seven years. In addition to accompanying today's process, the agency is distributing emergency shelter kits that can be used as a temporary measure.
Only a handful of IDPs in the East await re-settlement today.
The thousand returnees to Ampara district on July 02 was the first government organized return of displaced persons to this district in 7 years.
The UNHCR said that prior to this return, de-mining/ clearance of unexploded ordnance was completed and the IDPs were provided an opportunity to engage in a 'go&see' visit to ensure that they were able to make an independent and well-informed decision. Read more ...
Only a handful of IDPs in the East await re-settlement today.
The thousand returnees to Ampara district on July 02 was the first government organized return of displaced persons to this district in 7 years.
The UNHCR said that prior to this return, de-mining/ clearance of unexploded ordnance was completed and the IDPs were provided an opportunity to engage in a 'go&see' visit to ensure that they were able to make an independent and well-informed decision. Read more ...
Bread provided to hungry displaced in Sri Lanka
WFP and its humanitarian partners recently provided another lifeline to tens of thousands of people who have fled the recent conflict in Sri Lanka. Thanks to a coordinated initiative between the government, NGOs and the business community, three of Sri Lanka's largest bakeries baked fresh bread for the hungry displaced using ingredients from WFP's food basket.
More than 205,000 loaves of freshly baked bread and buns were distributed to WFP beneficiaries recently as they made their way towards a government screening centre in Omanthai and temporary camps.
The bread - made especially dense to provide additional carbohydrates - was eaten with traditional dhal curry, made from the pulses provided in WFP's food basket. Read more ...
More than 205,000 loaves of freshly baked bread and buns were distributed to WFP beneficiaries recently as they made their way towards a government screening centre in Omanthai and temporary camps.
The bread - made especially dense to provide additional carbohydrates - was eaten with traditional dhal curry, made from the pulses provided in WFP's food basket. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 24
On 01 July, a team of Government officials assessed sites in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya to plan possible resettlement in the near future.
Japanese envoy for Peace Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi, was in Sri Lanka this week to attend the Economic Summit. He also met with the President and senior Government officials to discuss humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka.
On 27 June, the first lady of Sri Lanka opened a new children's home (Siriliya Sewana) in Vavuniya for orphaned IDP children. Read more ...
Japanese envoy for Peace Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi, was in Sri Lanka this week to attend the Economic Summit. He also met with the President and senior Government officials to discuss humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka.
On 27 June, the first lady of Sri Lanka opened a new children's home (Siriliya Sewana) in Vavuniya for orphaned IDP children. Read more ...
Friday, July 3, 2009
Ministry to invest Rs. 869m for Northern fishermen
The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministry will invest Rs. 869 million to re-engage the fishermen of North who were denied fishing opportunities due to terrorist activities.
This investment will be placed in line with the 180 day accelerated program launched by the Government under the Uthuru Vasanthaya master development drive of the North.
This was revealed by Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera addressing the media yesterday.
Minister Perera explained that the rehabilitation of the fishery industry in the North will be launched in three stages - 180 day plan, middle term and long term plan. Read more ...
This investment will be placed in line with the 180 day accelerated program launched by the Government under the Uthuru Vasanthaya master development drive of the North.
This was revealed by Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera addressing the media yesterday.
Minister Perera explained that the rehabilitation of the fishery industry in the North will be launched in three stages - 180 day plan, middle term and long term plan. Read more ...
Thursday, July 2, 2009
SLRCS distributes drinking water to IDPs
The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) has begun distribution of drinking water to IDPs in welfare centres in Zone 4 of Manik Farm, Vavuniya, through the newly installed Water Treatment Plant with purification facilities.
75,000 litres of water will be distributed to IDPs daily through Red Cross bowsers. SLRCS has planned to increase the distribution of water up to 200,000 litres per day from next week. Water will be obtained from a nearby tank. Read more ...
75,000 litres of water will be distributed to IDPs daily through Red Cross bowsers. SLRCS has planned to increase the distribution of water up to 200,000 litres per day from next week. Water will be obtained from a nearby tank. Read more ...
All in place to pay homage to Our Lady of Madhu
Catholics will celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Madhu on August 15 under state patronage and all arrangements have been made to hold the "Annual Madhu Feast" on a grand scale and the annual flag hoisting day will be held on the 6th of next month.
The feast will be held on the 16th. Around 400 thousand devotees are expected at this year's festival. Security in the area has been strengthened. All facilities have been made available for the convenience of the pilgrims,the Ministry of Religious Affairs said.
The Catholic community in the country have expressed their gratitude to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Government and the Armed Forces for liberating the nation from terrorism to enable the pilgrims to pay homage to the Church of Our Lady of Madhu after 33 years without fear. Rev. Father Desmond Kulas who is in charge of the administration of the historic Madhu Church says arrangements have been made to hold this year's Our Lady of Madhu festival on a grand scale. Read more ...
The feast will be held on the 16th. Around 400 thousand devotees are expected at this year's festival. Security in the area has been strengthened. All facilities have been made available for the convenience of the pilgrims,the Ministry of Religious Affairs said.
The Catholic community in the country have expressed their gratitude to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Government and the Armed Forces for liberating the nation from terrorism to enable the pilgrims to pay homage to the Church of Our Lady of Madhu after 33 years without fear. Rev. Father Desmond Kulas who is in charge of the administration of the historic Madhu Church says arrangements have been made to hold this year's Our Lady of Madhu festival on a grand scale. Read more ...
More ShelterBoxes Sent to Sri Lanka
An additional 200 ShelterBoxes are being sent to Sri Lanka to give emergency shelter to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who were forced to leave their homes by the recent fighting in the country.
The aid – due to have arrived in the country on 21 June - will be sent to Menik Farm (Zone 3) in the Vanni region where ShelterBox has already distributed 448 ShelterBoxes. “There is still a great need for emergency shelter in the country,” says SRT member Laura Jepson who returned from the country on 12 June. Read more ...
The aid – due to have arrived in the country on 21 June - will be sent to Menik Farm (Zone 3) in the Vanni region where ShelterBox has already distributed 448 ShelterBoxes. “There is still a great need for emergency shelter in the country,” says SRT member Laura Jepson who returned from the country on 12 June. Read more ...
Priority for child rights in IDP centres
With the Government giving high priority to the welfare of children in the IDP welfare villages, special teams have been deployed to carry out urgent activities for the protection and care of displaced children.
More than 10,000 children have been screened so far and reports concerning their current status are being obtained to make necessary arrangements, said National Child Protection Authority Chairman, Jagath Wellawatta.
The special teams which include pediatricians look into IDP children’s health conditions and whether they have been subjected to improper use by persons, causing threats to their physical and mental health. Read more ...
More than 10,000 children have been screened so far and reports concerning their current status are being obtained to make necessary arrangements, said National Child Protection Authority Chairman, Jagath Wellawatta.
The special teams which include pediatricians look into IDP children’s health conditions and whether they have been subjected to improper use by persons, causing threats to their physical and mental health. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: “The priority number one, two and three of the Government are the IDPs”
"The priority number one, two and three of the Government is to make sure the IDP's situation is taken and focused on" stated the Government Defence Spokesman Hon. Minister Keheliya Rambukwella at a media briefing held at the Media Centre for National Security premises this morning (30).
The Government has managed to accomplish all the goals that they set out to achieve by eradicating the cancer of terrorism from the country. He held that the Government forces have not only destroyed the military power of the LTTE but also the infrastructure of the LTTE. Over billions of dollars worth equipment that the LTTE smuggled in to wreck havoc in the country were destroyed by the troops. Now the primary focus of the Government is to ensure that the lives of our brothers and sisters of the North are back normal. Speaking further Hon Minister stated that the Government has a massive task ahead in respect of the internally displaced civilians'. There are many aspects that the Government has to consider apart from reinstatement; they must ensure that these civilians are counseled, morality should be rebuilt, children should be provided education, families should be bought together and their livelihoods should be established so that these civilians would not be a burden to the country. He stressed that if these objectives are not fulfilled it will leave an unconsidered corner in the humanitarian mission thereby tarnishing the success of the troops. Read more ...
The Government has managed to accomplish all the goals that they set out to achieve by eradicating the cancer of terrorism from the country. He held that the Government forces have not only destroyed the military power of the LTTE but also the infrastructure of the LTTE. Over billions of dollars worth equipment that the LTTE smuggled in to wreck havoc in the country were destroyed by the troops. Now the primary focus of the Government is to ensure that the lives of our brothers and sisters of the North are back normal. Speaking further Hon Minister stated that the Government has a massive task ahead in respect of the internally displaced civilians'. There are many aspects that the Government has to consider apart from reinstatement; they must ensure that these civilians are counseled, morality should be rebuilt, children should be provided education, families should be bought together and their livelihoods should be established so that these civilians would not be a burden to the country. He stressed that if these objectives are not fulfilled it will leave an unconsidered corner in the humanitarian mission thereby tarnishing the success of the troops. Read more ...
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