More US assistance

For displaced civilians:

Chaminda Perera

Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Eric P Schwartz yesterday announced US assistance of 8 million US$ for the early return and recovery of displaced people in the North through UNHCR and Non Governmental Agencies.

Schwartz said he is intend to return to Sri Lanka shortly observe the Governments resettlement process which would take place over the next month on the invitation of Government of Sri Lanka.

He said he learned from the Government authorities that a significant number of displaced civilians are planned to resettle in their original homes in the Mannar , Vavuniya and parts of Killinochchi over the next month.

Officials told that they are determined to strongly support development and the overall well being of the people in the affected areas. The United States welcomes these commitments and appreciates the Sri Lankan Governments invitation to me to return shortly to observe the process of return and recovery which I fully intend to do.

Addressing a press briefing at the conclusion of his visit to Sri Lanka at the Galadari Hotel, Schwartz stressed that the funds will also be utilized for the resumption of their livelihood and participation of local communities in designing and implementing the project would be encouraged.

He said his visit primarily focused on the humanitarian effort and the early return of IDPs to their original dwellings.

During his stay in Sri Lanka, Schwartz met President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.

The US has provided over US$ 50 million for humanitarian assistance in Sri Lanka this year. He stressed the need of early returning the displaced civilians to their original placed in conditions of safety and dignity.

The United States welcomes the sustained efforts of relief providers both from the Sri Lanka Government and from local and international organizations to address the critical needs of this very large community.

He said serious efforts were made to improve the sanitary condition and ease the congestion of welfare camps.

USAID Sri Lanka Director Rebecca Cohn said the new funding will support the early return of people to their original communities by improving their living condition and by helping their livelihood as soon as possible.

She said the USAID will provide nets and small boats for fishermen, tools and seeds for farmers to restore their livelihood. We will also give grants to help people start small businesses that will generate income and provide needed services for the community.