Intl organisations come forward to assist displaced

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

COLOMBO: A host of International organisations have joined with the Human Rights and Disaster Management Ministry to provide 6500 displaced families in Kantale with relief services.

Around 25,000 people living in welfare centres in Kantale face health and sanitation problems at present, said Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe at a press conference yesterday after his visit to Kantale.

"The International Community have been silent although a few condemned this issue. They didn't show a strong objection to this human rights violation. I pointed this out and brought them together to correct this. Today they offered their fullest support to minimise the problems faced by the displaced," Minister Samarasinghe said.

UNHCR,UNICEF, ICRC and World Food Programme (WFP) have linked up with the Ministry. WFP has taken over in providing food for 15 days while UNHCR will provide the displaced with shelter. "Displaced have occupied seven schools in the area and others reside in tents.

They have no space and they don't like to move anywhere else. The main problem is sanitation and providing drinking water, the "Minister said.

The Minister said UNICEF and OXFAM provided 1000 toilets but it is insufficient. "International organisations have agreed to look into this matter. The Government has provided relief services so far and will continue to do so until the displaced return safely," he said.

"Disaster Management Ministry will be the focal point of the displaced at National Level. Everybody affected will be considered irrespective of race and religion and LTTE will not have any access to the supplies sent to assist the affected. "Minister Samarasinghe said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has postponed the scholarship examination in the Trincomalee District according to a request by the parents."People have also complained about dead bodies and with ICRC support we have to verify these," the Minister said.

Speaking about the BBC report of the killing of 14 aid workers of a French Agency the Minister said an independent and a transparent inquiry will be carried out. Minister Samarasinghe assured that forensic assistance will be brought from outside if necessary.