Only 853 families remain in Eastern camps

Parliamentary corr

Only 853 families are remaining in transit camps in the Eastern Province to be resettled, an answer tabled by Water Supply and Drainage Minister and Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunewardena said in Parliament.

The answer was tabled in response to a question raised by UNP MP Anoma Gamage. The Resettlement Minister stated that these 853 families consist of 2,720 members.

The answer further stated that these transit camps are located in Kiliveddi, Paddiththidal and Manalchenai in Trincomalee district. It said 350 families with 1,073 members are residing with their relatives and friends and the World Food Program provides food items to the displaced while the Government is supplying water, sanitary and electricity facilities to them. In addition food and food items were supplied by Non-Government Organizations.

The answer further stated that Rs 25,000 is given for each resettled family under the development of livelihood program. Necessary steps have been taken to provide electricity and roads for the resettled in Pallikudiuruppu, Ralkuli and Sinnakulam. Temporary shelters and permanent houses are provisioned by the Government to resettle the remaining displaced.

"The displaced people are not willing to resettle at the new places selected for resettlement but they prefer to go back to their original places. Because of this reason there is delay in the area of Mutur Divisional Secretary, and maximum effort is being taken for the completion of resettlement this year," the answer stated.