Rs. 250m daily for Northern civilian upkeep
*Funds used for food, healthcare, education,
vocational training
*Indian help purely on basis of cordial ties
Chaminda Perera
The Government spends over Rs. 250 million daily for the welfare of
over 300,000 displaced civilians in the Northern Province, said
Agriculture and Agrarian Services Minister Maithreepala Sirisena.
Addressing the media in Colombo, Minister Sirisena said these funds
are utilised for the provision of food, healthcare, education,
vocational training and sanitary facilities to the displaced people and
their children.
"Various nations have come forward to help Sri Lanka to make this
endeavour a success.
"The Indian Government has pledged to grant US$100 million for the
relief and rehabilitation of displaced people in the Northern province,"
the Minister said. He said certain elements with vested interests are
trying to spread a rumour to the effect that India was meddling with Sri
Lanka's internal affairs through this grant.
"India has extended assistance to Sri Lanka purely on the basis of
cordial relations enjoyed by the two countries for centuries.
No one should be doubtful about her role in Sri Lanka," the Minister
said.
"The Indian Government is fully aware of the situation in Sri Lanka
and is honest in helping Sri Lanka at this crucial juncture.
"This type of misconception would affect the cordial relations
enjoyed by the two countries for centuries," he said.
"The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) came to Sri Lanka following
the signing of the Indo- Lanka Peace Accord by the two countries in
1987.
"India immediately took steps to evacuate her Forces from Sri Lanka
after President Ranasinghe Premadasa wanted to send them back," the
Minister said. |