All IDPs in Maradamadu resettled

Anuradha KODAGODA

Under the IDP resettlement process of the North all IDPs in Maradamadu camp were resettled last Thursday and another 800 IDPs were resettled in Western Manthei yesterday.

In addition as at today all IDPs from the Eastern Province have now been resettled, said Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishard Bathiudeen.

Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry, he said: “Another 1,000 IDPs in Punagar, 1,000 IDPs in Karachchi and 800 IDPs in Eastern Vavuniya will be resettled in their villages on November 30, December 2 and December 5.

“The Government has taken immediate action to increase the efficiency in de-mining process in these areas and the Government has received special appreciation from the international community about this process.

“The Government hopes to complete the resettlement process on January 30 by completing the de-mining process as well,” the Minister said.

“The Government has also decided to increase the resettlement allowance from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 which will be provided in two instalments. The resettled IDPs who have more than two acres of arable land will be provided tools, implements and other facilities for farming,” the Minister said.

“As at today all IDP camps in schools have been removed as people who lived in these schools were resettled.

“The Government has also made available for the resettled IDPs, apart from the cash grant and non-food items, basic food items for six months and provisions.

Infrastructure like roads, electricity, water supply and other facilities, administrative offices and schools and health services have also been established in the newly resettled areas,” Bathiudeen said.