Govt. says it has a million mouths to feed in IDP camps

Rejecting allegations that internally displaced Northern Tamils, were suffering in refugee camps, the government said yesterday that it has to feed a million mouths each day.

Export Development and International Trade Minister G. L. Peiris, asked about Opposition allegations that 280,000 IDP’s had to put up with inhuman conditions, said that it was easy to criticize, but the government was doing a tough job under trying circumstances.

"We are willing to rectify any wrongs, but it must be remembered that a huge effort is being put in, to make the IDP’s comfortable. Nearly a million mouths have to be fed each day."

Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, when referred to IDP requests that they be permitted to live with their relations in Sri Lanka or go abroad, said that such stories were being spread by opportunistic Opposition politicians.

"As a government, we are doing our best. Some of the IDP’s have already been resettled." Read more ...