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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka - Humanitarian Snapshot, Dec 2009

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Resettlement of IDPs (arrivals since April 2008)

The accelerated returns programme continued throughout November and saw the return of nearly 60,000 IDPs to their districts of origin, bringing the total number to 129,196 as of 06 December 2009. In addition, releases to host families continued with over 29,000 IDPs released by the end of November. Returns are continuing and for the first time since the beginning of the resettlement process the number of affected people who moved out of camps exceeds the number of people still accommodated in camps.

In return areas, UNDP reports that 80% of the Rice Bowl area, in the Mannar district, has been cleared of mines.

While rains were experienced in the Northern districts, there were no reports of major disruptions, problems in the IDP camps.

Freedom of movement was granted to IDPs in camps in Vavuniya as of 01 December, following an announcement by Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapakse, the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force for Resettlement Development and Security in the Northern Province. IDPs received letters from the authorities indicating that they would be allowed them to move out of camps for a period of up to 15 days after which they are required to return.

As of 07 December, the CHAP 2009 for Sri Lanka is 68% percent funded, with US$184,209,433 received out of the revised midyear requirement of US$270,055,118. In addition, US$361,464 has been pledged by various donors. The CHAP 2010 for Sri Lanka is currently being developed with the participation of Sector Leads, partner agencies and Government counterparts.

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