While Sri Lanka government claims that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) held in Vavuniyaa Sri Lanka Army (SLA) detention centres can move freely, 1,27,905 of them are still being held in the camps, according to information given by Northern Province governor, Major Gen. G. A. Chandrasiri, in a special press meet held by him Monday in Jaffna Secretariat.
The governor while admitting that there are nearly 35,000 children still held in Vavuniyaa camps said that around 67,270 children in the camps have been permitted to attend schools.
The governor also said that all the IDPs will be settled before the end of December and that 220 government officers have been sent for duties in Thu’nukkaay area.
28,500 persons have been resettled in Poonakari, Thu’nukkaay and Mallaavi and steps are being taken to resettle 17,000 persons in Vavuniyaa North and Oddichuccaan beginning from 1 December, the governor further said.
When journalists asked the governor as to why resettlement in Ki’linochchi has not taken place though the government claims that transport services there have been restored he responded that some areas in Ki’linochchi are still considered ‘war zones’ infested with landmines and therefore resettlement is not permitted.
He said that action is being taken to commence resettlement in villages 4 km from Ki’linochchi.
Chandrasiri also said that 5,000 square feet area in Ki’linochchi is being cleared of landmines daily.
The Kearatheevu-Changuppiddi A32 road is to be renovated with the help of Biritian’s aid and work on the project is to begin in January 2010, the governor said.
Meanwhile, the Ambassadors of Britain and Norway to Sri Lanka who were in Jaffna Monday held talks with the governor and Jaffna Government Agent, K. Ganesh after the special press meet.
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