Fleeing civilians top 2,000 mark

Rasika Somarathna

The number of IDPs seeking refuge with the Government authorities surpassed the 2,000 mark yesterday as the Government reiterated that arrangements were in place to help displaced civilians.

Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishard Bathuideen said by yesterday, the number of IDPs who sought refuge in the cleared areas, had increased to 2,057 and they were housed at welfare centres in Vavuniya with all facilities.

Welfare centres have been organised in Menik Farm (150 acres), Menik Farm II (450 acres), Nelumkulama and Omanthai (150 acres) with the capacity to house 30,000 families, the Minister added.

Authorities are also preparing three villages with a single house for each family being provided, namely in Chettikulam, Omanthai and another location in Vavuniya. These villages and temporary camps would be equipped with all facilities until the families are resettled in their original villages, which would be expedited after securing those areas and building the needed infrastructure, the Minister added.

Officials belonging to several Ministries, currently in Vavuniya, are preparing a comprehensive report on how to facilitate expediting relief measures, and the final report would be presented to the President shortly, the Minister noted.

The displaced from uncleared areas are to be provided with cooked meals, dry rations, drinking water, health and sanitary facilities, electricity, cooking utensils, clothes, infant food and all other essential items.

A daily allowance of Rs 100 for any other miscellaneous needs too is to be given.

With the assistance of the UNICEF and the Ministry of Health, a hygienic kit to each family is to be provided and also supplementary food are to be given for the children to overcome any form of malnutrition during this time.

School going children are to be facilitated with uninterrupted education, through out their temporary stay at welfare centres with the involvement of the Education Ministry.

Banking facilities too are to be provided within these centres.