There has been a tremendous improvement in the resettlement of IDPs. The total figure of IDPs resettled as at today is 119687. The breakdown is as follows. 91,999 for resettlement and 19,903 released. In addition, 6935 and 850 respectively were released from 06 sites in Jaffna to Vavuniya and Mannar, revealed Ministers of Human Rights and Disaster Management Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe addressing a media briefing held at the Presidential Secretariat today(06).
This substantial significant increase in resettlement of IDPs is creditable. As at present, there are 143534 IDPs in 15 sites, 3373 in Jaffna, 970 in Mannar and 3936 in Trincomalee and 1082 in hospitals making the current total figure of IDPs 153,3021.
At a press briefing recently, Mr. John Foxe during his recent visit acknowledged the improvement of the IDP situation in Sri Lanka. While the journalists put pressure on him, he had said the situation is definitely improving. In another statement, the Minister of External Affairs, India too had acknowledged the rapid progress made in resettlement process. Particularly the TNA MP Mr. Sri Kanthan in Parliament highly commended the efforts of Hon. Basil Rajapakshe Senior Presidential Officer and Hon. Minister Richard Badudeen in speeding up the resettlement process. These endorsements are most welcome and encouraging said Minister Samarasinghe.
The resettlement process is up to international standard, the Minister stressed.
The H.E. President Mahinda Rajapakse has appointed a Committee of eminent persons to a investigate the contents of the report submitted by the US State Department to the US Congress. The President had appointed persons of reputation and integrity by way of warrant under his signature. The members are Mr. D.S. Wijesinghe Chairman of the Committee. Mr. Wijesinghe is a President's Counsel and much sought after legal luminary. He had served as the Deputy Solicitor General. Mr. Nihal Jayamanna, Presidents Counsel Mr. CR de Silva, Presidents Counsel former Attorney General , Mrs Mano Ramanathan Attorney- at-Law who had served the Legal Draughtsman's Department, a social worker and Mrs. Jezima Ismail an educationist, former Principal of Mualim Ladies College and Chancellor of the South Eastern University.
The Committee will conduct regular meetings and study and advise on the contents of the allegations and make its report on or before December 31, 2009.
In the aftermath of the 30 year old battle against the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world Sri Lanka has faced challenges which we try our best to overcome without compromising the sovereignty of the motherland, Minister Samarasinghe assured.
Mr. K.N.Choksy's statement endorsing the Vote of Account is a far – sighted courageous one which will help build confidence, the Minister added.
Answering a query, the Minister said a dialogue is continuing with the EU member countries on the GSP plus grant and hopefully, we expect a positive outcome, the Minister said.
A National Action Plan to promote Human Rights is being drafted. By the end of November a draft will be released, the Hon.Minister Samarasinghe concluded.
