Survey on Easterners residing in WP

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

COLOMBO: A survey will be conducted on persons who had come from the Eastern Province to the Western Province for permanent residence during the last five years.

The survey will be conducted through Civil Security Committees on Sunday from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm.

This information is gathered to ensure the safety and welfare of the people, Government Defence Affairs Spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.Minister Rambukwella said the survey will be similar to the previous survey conducted some time back on persons who had come to the Western Province from the Northern Province. He requested the media not to misinterpret the survey.

According to Minister Rambukwella the previous survey was very successful and the availability of data makes it easier for the Government to ensure the welfare of the people.

Meanwhile, the Police Department said it has planned to conduct a census of all IDPs who had left the Eastern Province and taken temporary residence in the Western Province including the Colombo city.

The census will be conducted on October 5 from 8 am to 5 pm at various Police stations and schools assigned for the purpose.

All IDPs from the Eastern Province are requested to extend their co-operation to this process by visiting the assigned locations with all family members.

They should also bring valid documents to prove their identity, the Police Headquarters said in a communique yesterday.

The census will cover Negombo, Gampaha, Kelaniya, Colombo North, Colombo Central, Colombo South, Nugegoda, Panadura and Kalutara Police Divisions, the communique added.