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by Florence Wickramage

Much progress has been achieved in the Rehabilitation and Resettlement of Refugees in the North and East within the past 100 days in the social and economical spheres. These included providing motorable roadways, supply of basic amenities, convenient transport of goods, upgraded economical and medical facilities and assistance to recommence agriculture and to rebuild houses.

The Media Director of the Ministry of Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Refugees stated that while facilitating the opening of the main Kandy - Jaffna A9 road on April 08, a cross loading point had been opened at Omanthai at a cost of Rs. 14 million, thus removing restrictions imposed on food and push bicycles into uncleared areas.

The Ministry funded repairs on a network of roads in the Vanni district and a de-mining program was undertaken with the assistance of UN Agencies. Apart from establishing a Kerosene depot in Madhu to ease the shortage of fuel, electricity was also supplied to the area.

In the Health sphere, medical camps were held at different locations, by medical personnel from home and abroad, while well-wishers from the South donated Rs. 500,000 for drugs and medicines. The Jaffna Teaching Hospital was upgraded and four dialysis units had been installed by the Lions Club. Ambulances and special bus services for the sick and elderly passengers have been provided with UNHCR assistance.

In the economic field, currency restrictions were relaxed and mobile banking facilities have been arranged for Jaffna and Vanni. A rehabilitation program for the Jaffna Public Library was undertaken and restoration work of the Jaffna Clock Tower has been finalised.

The Ministry launched several community programs which included shramadanas and a Vocational Skills Development Program in Tanthirimal for 100 youth. A Cultural Show was also organised for the Sinhala/Hindu New Year with the participation of local and Indian Artistes.

The Media Director said that most of the welfare programs and projects initiated by the Ministry were supported by government and non-governmental agencies and well-wishers.

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