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 ...