Special unit to help children, women from uncleared areas

Nadira Gunatilleke

A special unit has been set up at Vavuniya by the Child Development and Women's Empowerment Ministry to ensure the well-being of children and women coming from uncleared areas in the North, Child Development and Women's Empowerment Minister Mrs. Sumedha G. Jayasena told the Daily News yesterday.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily News Minister Jayasena said that officials from the Child Development and Women's Empowerment Ministry, Health Ministry and the Education Ministry are now in this unit attending to the requirements of children and women fleeing from LTTE tyranny.

Responding to the request made by the Government, people are coming to the cleared areas from the uncleared areas.

When staying in camps, there is a possibility that children and women may be subjected to abuse and harassment.

Therefore, measures have already been taken by the Government to ensure their safety and well-being.

The unit will look after them and attend to their requirements.

Chairman of the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) Jagath Wellawatta is presently in Vavuniya inspecting the unit, she added.