Russians here for de-mining

Disna MUDALIGE

Two Russian experts have arrived in the island to help the de-mining process of the Northern province, said Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe accepting Russian humanitarian aid to the Sri Lankan Government at the Russian Cultural Centre yesterday.

The Minister appreciated the constant support of the Russian Federation to expedite the resettlement process in the North. The two Russian specialists Erina and Oleg have already discussed with the Nation Building Ministry about their contribution in the de-mining.

The Minister noted that the people's safety must be assured before they are resettled in the area and it is the Government's responsibility to ensure that the area is free of landmines.

"We are taking measures to meet international standards in the de-mining process and we value the certificate given by the UN. There is no short cuts for this task," he said.

The Government is also developing water, electricity and road facilities in the area and has decided to help IDPs to build their own incomes.

Responding to the claims that the resettlement process is delayed by the Government, Minister Samarasinghe noted: "We feel about our people more than any other foreign State and what the others are doing in this regard is supplementary to the Government's approach."

He said this support given by the Russian Federation will be a step towards strengthening bilateral relations.