Sri Lanka – Complex Emergency Fact Sheet #16 (FY 2009)

In late July, the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) announced preparations to return approximately 75,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) to areas of origin in Eastern and Northern provinces during the month of August as part of the GoSL 180-Day Returns Plan. The plan addresses IDPs affected by the recent conflict as well as long-term IDPs displaced in earlier population movements. However, to date, the GoSL has not provided a comprehensive framework for the implementation of the proposed returns plan and enhanced coordination with humanitarian agencies.

From July 25 to 28, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau for Population, Migration, and Refugees (State/PRM) Assistant Secretary (A/S) visited Sri Lanka to meet with GoSL officials, U.N. agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as to observe conditions at Manik Farms IDP camp. During the visit, the A/S emphasized the importance of allowing freedom of IDP movement and facilitating a rapid IDP returns process to areas of origin.

On July 27, the A/S and the USAID/Sri Lanka Mission Director announced the provision of $8 million in additional resources to support IDP returns, representing $4 million in State/PRM funding and $4 million in USAID/OFDA funding.

As of August 5, the GoSL Office of the Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services had confirmed that the GoSL had returned 4,076 IDPs from Vavuniya IDP camps to areas of origin in Ampara, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Trincomalee districts and to other areas in Eastern Province. Read more ...