Pascoe impressed with resettlement effort

Chaminda PERERA

UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Lyn Pascoe yesterday lauded the Government's effort to resettle people displaced by the LTTE terrorist activities in the North.

He said he was impressed with the efforts taken by the local authorities to resettle the people in the Mullaitivu district and solve their problems. He commended the services of UN agencies and NGOs to uplift the living standards of the people who were resettled in their original places.

Pascoe said the reconciliation is a long-term process. "The healing process is an urgent issue and the end of the conflict must be followed by a political solution that addresses the grievances that fuelled the war."

He added that the relaxation of emergency regulation is an important factor to change the people's mindset from a war footing to peace.

Pascoe said the Government should take more steps towards this.

The UN Under Secretary General stressed that he was impressed by the Government's achievement in the field of resettlement and upgrading the economy of IDPs who were resettled. Much has been added.

Pascoe said that he was happy to see the children attending schools in Mullaitivu. These people have access to basic health care facilities and foods, he added.

He said he would hand over his report on the present situation in Sri Lanka to the UN Secretary General next week.

The Secretary General is of the view that a panel of expert was to be appointed to advise him on Sri Lanka soon.

Pascoe said he met Government leaders, officials, Opposition representatives and minority party representatives during his stay in Sri Lanka.