IDP welfare activities expedited, streamlined

The Government has expedited and streamlined welfare activities to cater to the exodus of civilians arriving in cleared areas after escaping from LTTE clutches in the No Fire Zone and 1,500 temporary tents have been put up at Menik Farm, Vavuniya to house them by noon yesterday, said Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister Maheepala Herath.

Herath who is leading a high powered team of government officials to the North to personally supervise welfare activities for civilians arriving in cleared areas on the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Presidential Senior Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, MP, said more temporary tents would be erected at Menik farm to house another 30,000 families.

He said each tent can accommodate two families and the construction work is handled by the Sri Lanka Army and the Police.

The ICRC and the UNHCR are providing the necessary tents and steps have been taken to bring down another 20,000 tents from Pakistan, Herath said.

He said all civilians on arrival are transported by CTB buses to Vavuniya to be given temporary shelter in the tents, President's Co-ordinating Secretary Lalan Abeygunawardena and DIG Mahinda Balasuriya are assisting Herath in conducting of welfare activities.