Conditions at IDP centres are up to standard and impressive - US Congress delegates

Hilary Rajakarunanayake, Editor – Sri Lanka, Asian Tribune

Colombo, 29 May, (Asiantribune.com): The US Congress delegation led by Congressman Heath Shuler (Democrat – North Carolina) said they saw that the standards of the relief villages where the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North are accommodated are quite good and impressive, and of a much higher standard than described by some sections of the media.

The delegation that arrived in Sri Lanka on May 26 had gone on a two day observation tour of the relief centres where civilians liberated from the LTTE are being accommodated.

US Congressional Delegation including Congressman Heath Shuler call on Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 28 May, at Temple Trees. (Pix by:Nalin Hewapathirana))

They expressed their satisfaction after meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday morning (28) at Temple Trees.

In their meeting with the President, the Congress delegates discussed the possibility of providing necessary assistance for the IDPs, and said the United States is committed to help Sri Lanka in such areas.

The President explained to them the need for de-mining of the areas that have been extensively mined by the LTTE as a matter of priority, and the provision of infrastructure facilities before re-settling the civilians.

The US delegation also discussed the programs that are being carried out by the Northern Development Task Force to re-settle the displaced within a short period, such as 180 days, and also about the development processes to be initiated in the area to expedite the setting up of an environment suitable for livelihood development of the resettled people.

- Asian Tribune -