The ministry is planning to resettle 200 more families in Kombavil on February 07 --Minister of Resettlement Hon.Gunaratne Weerakoon
Only 1,965 war displaced families remain in the currently functioning Kadirgamar and Ananda Coomaraswamy relief villages in Settikulam in the Northern peninsula had to be resettled, Minister of Resettlement, Gunaratne Weerakoon said yesterday (02).
"The ministry is planning to resettle 200 more families in a land area of 600 acres in Kombavil, close to Pudukudirippu on February 07," he said. Two hundred houses with rooms of 120 square feet each and sanitation facilities along with wells to obtain drinking water had been constructed with the assistance of the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau.
A large number of remaining IDP’s could be resettled if at least 1000 more houses could be constructed during the next six months, the minister said. Rs. 172 million had been approved for the ministry in this regards.
For those who would be resettled the ministry would give food rations worth Rs. 3,500 along with certain tools to re-establish livelihoods.
According to the minister a total of 216,412 internally displaced families from Northern and Eastern provinces had been resettled in semi- permanent dwellings and they had been provided with roofing sheets, cement along with Rs. 25,000 to renovate their houses. It was a temporary solution provided by the ministry to free the IDP’s from life in the relief villages, he said.
Weerakoon also said that the 1,272 displaced Sampur families due to the construction of the coal power plant would also be relocated in the areas in the vicinity.
"Fifty six houses are under construction for the families who had expressed their willingness to be resettled," he said.
Areas like Tangapuram had been proposed for further resettlement. Rs. 387 million had been allocated for the resettlement of Sampur IDP’s.
"All IDP’s would be resettled with their consent and if they could prove the ownership to what they claim to be their ancestral lands, the land ministry had implemented a scheme to compensate them," Weerakoon said.
The minister also said that discussions are underway with the Indian government to construct 5,000 houses in the Eastern province.
‘We should not consider demands of the TNA as those of the Tamil people’ – Deputy Minister of Resettlement Hon.V.Muralitharan
-- by Arthur Wamanan
Deputy Minister of Resettlement and Vice President of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan says that priority should be given to address the immediate needs of the Tamil people. In an interview with The Nation, Muralitharan blamed the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) for making impracticable demands while ignoring the basic needs of the affected people
QUESTION: What is the latest situation of the resettlement process?
ANSWER: There are around 7,000 people remaining in Menik Farm to be resettled. These people will have to be relocated in other places since they can not be resettled in their own villages. The military has taken over their lands in places like Puthumathalan to establish permanent army camps. This has not been gazetted yet. However, it is better we relocate them rather than letting them stay in Menik Farm.
We have identified a place in Mullaithivu called Kombavil. Around 200 families will be relocated in this village next month. Each family will be given a 40 perch land for their agricultural purpose and a house within a 20 perch of land.
Q. There is a similar problem in the Eastern Province as well where many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Sampur continue living in welfare centres. What steps have been taken to resettle them? Is there any possibility of resettling them in their own villages in Sampur?
A. Yes. There is an issue of IDPs from Sampur. There are around 2200 people still in welfare centres. Their lands were taken over by the government for the coal power plant. This has been gazetted unlike in the case of Mullaithivu. Therefore, no chance of them going back to Sampur. The Cabinet has given approval to allocate Rs. 1800 million for the relocation of IDPs from Sampur and Mullaithivu. We have already got some amount from the treasury, which will be used for relocation of the IDPs to Kombavil.
These villages will contain all the basic facilities such as health centres and schools. We will make sure people will have access to all their basic needs.
Q. But, the IDPs from Sampur had not consented to the idea of being relocated to another place. Some of them are fisher families. What are going to do about this?
A. Yes. We did identify a certain area for their relocation. But they cannot do anything. They cannot get back their lands because they have been acquired by the government. The law allows the government to acquire land. This is not something new. The people cannot do anything once it has been gazetted.
Q. Thousands of resettled people in the Wanni were affected by the recent floods and rains displacing many. One of the reasons given was the poor condition of the temporary shelters that could not withstand such weather conditions. Was this brought to your notice? What have you done to address the issue?
A. Yes. I agree. These shelters were designed to last for a period of two years. They will not be conducive for living after two years. We have taken immediate measures to address the issue. The Indian government has agreed to build 50,000 houses and part of the project is on the verge of completion. India recently signed to construct the remaining 49,000 houses under this project. The people will be given permanent houses soon.
Q. Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna during his recent visit said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had expressed his commitment to a 13 plus approach to solve the longstanding ethnic crisis. Several views have already been expressed by many politicians within the government. What is your view on Krishna’s statement on the President’s commitment, especially when there are already issues in implementing the 13th amendment in its entirety?
A. There are certain sensitive aspects contained within the 13th amendment. We do not in anyway say that Tamils should not be given equal rights. But, there are issues in implementing certain clauses of the amendment. In the case of land, the powers are with a Divisional Secretary. No one can acquire land without the approval of the Divisional Secretary. Land power has been given. The problem is that people do not know how to utilise it.
The other issue is the police powers. I do not know why they want police powers. Those who demand for these powers, instigate the people with the aim of winning votes.
Eastern Province Chief Minister Pillayan and TNA’s Sampanthan have demanded police powers to be devolved. Why do they need police powers? Will the Tamil people gain anything if police powers are devolved? I do not understand. Today, anyone whether Tamil or Muslim can join the police. We could demand for such powers if it is not so.
India is a huge country. The population of Chennai is equal to that of Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is logical that police powers are devolved as it cannot be controlled by the Central government. If we follow the same mechanism, police powers will have to be given to all the provinces and it could result in creating problems. It is not correct to instigate the Tamil people by making unwanted demands. The people have to be provided with basic needs and facilities. They need houses, electricity, education and transport facilities. What is the point of demanding police powers when the people require fulfilment of basic needs? Q. The Tamil Diaspora has also been divided on the ethnic issue. Has the government given you any responsibility in enlightening the Diaspora on the ground situation?
A. Yes. I have been asked to speak to members of the Diaspora. I have already spoken to several and briefed them on the progress of the government on various aspects ranging from resettlement to finding a solution to the ethnic crisis. I recently visited Germany and Switzerland where I met a lot of our people there. The Diaspora also has an important role to play in the whole process. They are also our people.
Q. Pillayan has also demanded police powers to be given to Provincial Councils. The government has said it has its concerns on such matters. Do you think that this issue would become a matter of concern considering the fact that the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) is part of the government?
A. It could snowball into a big problem. The President has kept his trust on them and given them certain responsibilities. In such a situation, if they contradict the government stance in anyway, that will hamper their future political activities.
Q. You were the founder of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) and now you are a member of the SLFP. How is your connection with the Eastern Province Chief Minister?
A. I have no problems with him. I am providing whatever support I can when it comes to the development of the East. When it comes to politics, it is different. I am a member of the SLFP and I have my own responsibilities towards the party and the government. He has certain responsibilities towards the TMVP while supporting the government
Q. The TNA had been in talks with the government for the past several months. The talks had recently hit a roadblock following disagreements on police and land powers. How do you view this situation?
A. If you look at the TNA, they do not have stable principle. They should not talk to the government if they know it will not work. They are taking the Tamil people for a ride by engaging in talks with the government. The government will not heed to their demands. Everyone knows that the government will not accept all the demands by the party. But, the government will come up with initiatives that will benefit the Tamil people. We should not consider the demands of the TNA as those of the Tamil people.
Q. There are members of the minority within the government. Why haven’t you got together in addressing the needs of the Tamils? Are you not in a better position than the TNA in bringing such issues to the notice of the government?
A. Yes we have spoken about these issues with other members of the government. I spoke of the 13th amendment at the last Central Committee. The President said that he would gladly increase the assistance to provide the basic needs of the affected people. At the same time he said he would not be able to address impracticable demands. I agree that we are in a better position to convey the needs of the people. I am in the government as the representative of the people and I will continue to address their needs. The situation is not the same anymore. We do not have problems pertaining to rights anymore.
Q. At the same time, there is also a lack of unity among the Tamil parties in coming to a common understanding with regard to addressing the immediate and long term needs of the Tamil people. Why is it impossible for Tamil parties to come together for a common cause?
A. It is hard because they have ideological clashes. I would welcome if all Tamil parties come together. But, there is no chance of them coming together.
courtesy: The Nation 28-01-2012
Gajabapura , Momarawewa of Weli Oya AGS's Division People are Back
In their Villages After 12 years
Those who left their villages in 1999 at the height of terrorist activities have resettled in their villages and lands after 12 years.142 Families of Gajabapura and Monarawewa in Weli Oya AGA's division have settled in temporary shelters.
Minister for Resettlement M.H.Gunatrathna Weerakoon went for a visit to look for the difficulties undergo by those families. Infrastructure of the area was destroyed. There would have been No schools, No roads in the viilage.No drinking water but because the brigade commander for Weli Oya provides most of the requirements .and Mahaweli residence Manager.
Minister Weerakoon advised the ministry officials to list out all the villagers who have been resettled and their reqiurments.About 75 families are living in Gajabapura and 67 families are living in Monarawewa who demanded a shelter for them. Minister instructed the officials to make a way to provide them with the necessary materials to build a house for all.Raods and electricity have been so far provided for most of them by the Ministry of Economic development.
A six month food ration issues by the world food programme will be provided for the resettled people through coordination of AGA of Weli Oya Division.
Additional secretary to the Ministry of resettlement M.M.Naimudeen and the director Development E.M.D.B.Ekanayake Commanding Officer for WeliOya Brigadier H.P.Senevirathna and AGA - Weli Oya N.Sirimanne are also present at the event.
Mr. W.M.Bandusena assumed duties as the Secretary of the Ministry of Resettlement
Mr. W.M.Bandusena assumed duties as the Secretary of the Ministry of Resettlement on 02.01.2012.Minister of Resettlement Hon. M.H.Gunaratne Weerakoon, Deputy Minister of Resettlement Hon. V.Muralitharan, former Secretary to the Resettlement Ministry Mr. B.M.U.D.Basnayake, Additional Secretary Mr.M.M.Nayeemudeen, Senior Assistant Secretary Mrs.T.Kenniyoodsan and coordinating Secretary were participated for this event. The officers of the Ministry of Resettlement were also presented for this moment.
PUBLIC SERVANTS made a solemn pledge on 02-01-2012
Ministry of Resettlement started its duties on the first working day of the year. A ceremony was organized at office today (02-01-2012).The staff made a solemn pledge to fulfil their responsibilities efficiently and more productively with dedication and loyalty to the public.
Secretary hoisted the national flag. The staff observed two minute silence for the fellow members who sacrificed their lives in the country.
In his welcome address, Secretary said that last year several work-plans were successfully carried out in Northern and Eastern Provinces.
The minister wished all the staff for prosperous happy New Year. In his address, last year, several large-scaled development projects were successfully established under the guidance of the President’s Task Force. He thanked the staff who supported for this success. This year work-plans and fund allocations have been planned in efficient manner. He requested all the staff to work together for development of the country.
meeting of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development with H.E. YASUSHI AKASHI
Special Japanese Envoy His Excellency Yasushi Akashi met Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development on 29-11-2011 and had a very cordial discussion over the present status of resettlement and the achievements in the conflict affected area. At the start, Special Envoy said he had discussion with several political leaders during his three days stay in Sri Lanka and listened to the different views regarding resettlement and reconstruction expressed by different groups. He stated that he has witnessed the redevelopment effort in North by the Government of Sri Lanka in different stages and he appreciates the steps taken by the Sri Lanka government to expedite them. In response to the comments made by the Special Envoy Hon. Minister said issues are becoming more and more smaller and government always prepared for the dialogue with political parties regarding the resettlement and reconstruction programmes. Hon. Minister stated that there is no government sponsored or any other colonization schemes in North and East.
In conclusion Hon. Minister valued the views expressed by the Special Envoy in the past and also said that the Government of Sri Lanka welcomes his views even in the future. He appreciated the Japanese government contribution for the Sri Lankan economic development. In conclusion Mr. Akashi said that the effort by the Government of Sri Lanka in redevelopment of war torn North and Eastern Provinces is super human and really appreciate it. Further he said the reconciliation between communities will take slightly longer time but all the parties should make strong efforts to achieve that end. He assured continues Japanese assistance for North- East redevelopment and economic Development of Sri Lanka. His Excellency Mr. Nobuhito Hobo – the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Mr. Hiroshi Tajima, Director, South west Asia division, MOFA, Japan, Mr. Kenji Miyata, Deputy Director, South west Asia Division, MOFA, Japan, Mr. Hokuto Kaya, Head of Political, Embassy of Japan and officials from the Ministry of Economic Development also participated at this occasion.
Courtesy: http://med.gov.lk/
Resettlement in final phase:
Cabinet approves Rs 1,000 m to resettle remaining IDPs
---- Chamikara WEERASINGHE
Cabinet has approved a fund allocation of Rs1,000 million to resettle the number of Internally Displaced Persons at Manik Farm and Sampur. “This will be the final phase of resettlement of IDPs,” said Resettlement Ministry Secretary Uthpala Basnayaka. Of those displaced as a result of the 2009 humanitarian operation in the North and East, 97 per cent have been resettled.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed Resettlement Minister Gunaratne Weerakoon to complete the Resettlement Process with the use of funds, the Daily News reliably learns.
Ministry Secretary Basnayaka said there are 2025 displaced families remaining in the Manik Farm and they are being resettled in the Kombavil area in the Mullaitivu district.
“Sixty six families were resettled in Kombavil last week. The ministry will resettle another 72 families next week,” he said. “Each displaced family will be given a 44 perch bloc of land,” Basnayaka said.
“Meanwhile, moves are underway to resettle IDPs at Sampur in the Trincomalee district,” he said.
“The IDPs will be settled outside the Economic Zone of the Sampur Coal Power Plant.”
“We have identified suitable areas to resettle them. There are 1227 families to be resettled in Sampur.
The Resettlement Ministry is in the process of constructing necessary infrastructure to resettle them,” said Basnayaka. Every resettled family will get a basic home and a toilet in addition to being given water and other facilities, he said.
Asked about the fate of the Resettlement Ministry and the families which were resettled by the time the resettlement process is complete, Basnayaka said, the welfare of the resettled families is now under the care of Presidential Task Force for Resettlement and Rehabilitation supervised by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa. The Fisheries, Economic Development, Highways, Agriculture, Housing and all other line ministries will be there to assist the resettled families.
“ Once we end the process of resettlement that means we have done our job.
It is more likely that the government is more likely to wind up the Resettlement Ministry after the work has been finished. However it is the government that will decide on it,” he added.
Courtesy: www.dailynews.lk/2011/11/29/
Displaced to resettle soon
It has been reported that government has taken measures to resettle more displaced families on Thursday (24).
There are more 3221 displaced people still in Zero Zone of Kadiragarmar camp and 3942 people in Menik farm relief village in Ananda Kumaraswamy camp.
By last 22nd, number of displaced people had gone down to 7163. According to the statistics, 235,900 people were resettled in Vaunia, Mannar and Trincomalee while others were resettled in their native places.
Undergraduates, infants with their families, pregnant mothers and persons with passports have been released on humanitarian grounds. Total number of freed crowd stands at 27,720.
Government sources say that 9851 displaced persons were resettled in Jaffana in their native places. Courtesy: http://asianmirror.lk/24 NOVEMBER 2011
Mullative villagers returned
Mullative villagers who were displaced during humanitarian operation resettled in their own villages on last 20th said Ministry of Defence and Urban Development.
121 families consisting of 377 persons were resettled in Iranapallai grama seva division in Pudukudi Irippu divisional secretariat, Mullative.
Families who were in state owned Manik farm, have resettled in Mullative after certification by United Nations Development Program that area concerned was free of land mines and other death traps.
No.68 Brigade of Mullative Security Force Headquarters provides necessary facilities to resettled families.
Courtesy: http://asianmirror.lk 23-11-11
5000 families resettled after demining NE
History has been created by a local organisation by establishing the first ever South Asian humanitarian demining organisation to rid the mine infested areas of Sri Lanka, which facilitated successful resettlement of over 5000 internally displaced families. This programme was initiated by Milinda Moragoda Institute for Peoples’ Empowerment (MMIPE) in 2003, which saw removal of landmines from a vast area exceeding 25,000 acres, facilitating those areas to be resettled and brought under economic activity.
MMIPE’s humanitarian mine action programme commenced with technical support and training of local demining teams by two Indian organisations, Sarvatra Techincal Consultants and Horizen. Financial support for this humanitarian programme was provided by the Royal Norwegian government. At present MMIPE is carrying out de-mining activities in Muruthankulam and Cheddikulam in the Vavunia District and Pulmudai in the Trincomalee District. When completed these three tasks would enable release of additional 1000 acres for paddy cultivation.
The first stage of mine clearance under the programme enabled release of 25,000 acres of land in Kandasamy Nagar, Kuppiyagama, Chekkadipallavu A, Chekkadipallavu B, Ammivaithan, Ellamaruthankulam, Maruthankulam and Maruthodai, in the Vavuniya District; Poomaranthan and P/Pandivirchan in the Mannar District; Pullaiadicholai-Muttur, Poonagar, Ichchalampattu, Sankankuli, Maavillaru, Tennaimaramvadiya, Pulmudai in the Trincomalee District; Dematawewa, Diyaittawewa, Yan Oya, Thanthirimale, Kanugahawewa, Yakawewa and Kongollawa in the Anuradhapura District.
Since inception the two Indian mine clearing teams worked passionately to facilitate recommencement of livelihood and economic activity of internally displaced persons by removing thousands of anti-personnel landmines (APLs) and un-exploded devices (UXOs). With the training provided by the Indian teams during the first two years, using a manual rake system, MMIPE employed over 60 local personnel and established two teams representing all communities and religions.
Thus, they are probably the only de-mining organisation in the region, employing multi ethnic, multi religious, and multi linguistic civic conscious de-miners with a gender balance. Being the first local (Sri Lankan) humanitarian demining organisation, MMIPE had to overcome many obstacles working in the mine risk areas of the country without mine related injuries to de-miners barring just one.
Courtesy: www.ft.lk -21-11-2011
Displaced Sri Lankans return home
Almost 4,000 Sri Lankans are returning to their country after years in refugee camps in southern India. Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced during the conflict between the government and the separatist Tamil Tigers during the country's 25-year civil war.
Now, through a voluntary repatriation programme run by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, some of the previously displaced are returning to Sri Lanka in the hope of a better life.
A report commissioned by the government to investigate possible human rights abuses committed during the war will also be handed to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Sunday.
(Al Jazeera's Minelle Fernandez reporting from Mannar)
Courtesy: http://www.dailymirror.lk/ 20-11-2011
Countrywide religious ceremonies to mark President's birthday
Countrywide religious programmes will be held in temples, kovils, churches and mosques to mark President Mahinda Rajapaksa's birthday and the first anniversary of his second term of office and invoke blessings on him and the country. An allnight pirith ceremony will be held at the Janadhipati Mandiraya today followed by a sanghika dana at Temple Trees tomorrow under a programme organised by the Presidential Secretariat.
The Maha Sangha will be conducted to Temple Trees from the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya in a colourful procession.
Apart form this, pinkamas to invoke blessings on the President will be held at temples and places of worship in all provinces including the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Anuradhapura, Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, Bellanwia Raja Maha Viharaya, Kalutara Bodhi, Matara Bodhi, Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya, Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, Vavuniya Sri Sudharmarama Maha Viharaya and Batticaloa Manglaramaya today and tomorrow. Programmes will include all night pirith ceremonies and a series of dhammadesana, said a press release by the President's Media Division. Meanwhile, Hindu poojas to invoke blessings on the President will be held at the Mannar Thirukeshwaram kovil, Trincomalee Thiru Koneshwaram kovil, Chilaw Munneswaram kovil, Batticaloa Thanthoshwaram kovil and Mayurapathi kovil, Machittapuram Sri Murugan kovil and several other kovils, said Brahmasri Ramachandra Aiyar, Co-ordinator of Hindu Religious Affairs.
Christian services to invoke blessings will be held at several churches countrywide including the Galle Face church and the Nuwara Eliya Labukelle church, said Rev Sarath Hettiarachchi.
Muslim religious services to invoke blessings on the President will be held at Mosques countrywide led by the Davatagaha Mosque, Colombo.
All IDPs will be resettled soon -- Nadira GUNATILLEKE
The government will complete the resettling Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) shortly. The resettlement Ministry has resettled almost 97 percent of the IDPs in their native villages by October this year. They were displaced soon after the 2009 humanitarian operation, Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.
Addressing the weekly Cabinet press briefing held at the Government Information Department Auditorium yesterday, Minister Rambukwella said that on a proposal made by Resettlement Minister Gunaratne Weerakoon, the Cabinet has decided to allocate Rs. 1,336 million to complete the resettlement of remaining IDPs in their native villages.
Minister Rambukwella said that 1,687 families will be resettled in the Mullaitivu district while another 1,272 families are to be resettled in Muttur in the Trincomalee District.
Another 166 families are to be resettled in the Mannar District, with the assistance of the Security Forces.
"Each family will be provided a core house with a permanent toilet in addition to wells and other facilities," he said.
"Sri Lanka successfully resettled IDPs within a short time and enabled IDPs to resettle in their original homes while some other countries are still struggling with their resettlement programmes," he added.
Courtesy: http://www.dailynews.lk - 2011/11/18
Pulugunawi Tank in Batticaloa upgraded - With JICA assistance
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa along with the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Nobuhito Hobo, Chief Minister of Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, Deputy Minister of Child Development and Women’s Affairs A.L.M.N. Hizbullah and Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Akira Shimura at the opening of the irrigation scheme.
Economic DevelopmentMinister Basil Rajapaksa declared open the Pulugunawi Irrigation scheme upgraded under the Pro-Poor Economic Advancement and Community Enhancement Project (PEACE) on November 15. On this occasion, the minister participated in a tree planting programme at the Batticaloa, Manmunei, Kankaniyarkulan.
With the improved additional capacity of 4 million cubic meters (mcm) at Pulugunavi and 2 mcm at Kankaniyarkulan tanks, the Pulugunawi Irrigation scheme can irrigate about 1800 hectare of land area and directly benefit over 1,100 farmer families.
The rehabilitation of the Pulugunawi scheme is one of the components of the PEACE Project funded by Japan's Official Development Assistance Loan Scheme through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). JICA provided a loan of JPY 6,010 million for the project which aims at reducing poverty, increasing farmers' productivity and achieving sustainable agricultural development through rehabilitation of irrigation facilities, income generating activities, training, etc. in North Western, North Central, Northern and Eastern Provinces. The North and East component of the project is executed by the Ministry of Economic Development and the Kurunegala, Anuradhapura component by the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources Management.
The North and East component comprises of rehabilitation and upgrading of nine irrigation schemes in Batticaloa, Ampara, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu districts, while the Kurunagala, Anuradhapura component enables rehabilitation of 20 major and medium irrigation schemes and 80 minor irrigation schemes. Both components also include livelihood support activities and training and provision of operation and maintenance equipment for strengthening of farmer organizations. The project is progressing and expected to be completed by end of 2012.
Courtesy : http://www.dailynews.lk - 2011/11/17
President inaugurates "Deyata Sevana - 2011"
National Tree Planting Campaign under "Harithaka Ratak - Deyata Sethak" President Mahinda Rajapaksa inaugurated the second stage of the National Tree Planting Campaign themed under "Haritha Ratak - Deyata Sethak" at the auspicious time of 9.01 am. today at the Botanical Garden in Battaramulla. It is planned to plant 1.1 million trees islandwide with a novel project of establishing a Green Park adjacent to the Japanese Friendship Road near Diyawanna Oya in Battaramulla.
The Deyata Sevana Tree Planting Programme commenced last year to mark the occasion of the second term in office and the 65th birthday of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. According to data compiled by the Environment Ministry the number of trees planted during the short period has reached 2.9 million. The programme was coordinated by the Presidential Secretariat and the Ministry of Environment, implemented with the support of all Ministries, Government Agencies, Provincial Councils, the District Secreariats, Divisional Secretariats, Local Authorities as well as Private Sector and NGOs. Sri Lanka Missions abroad too have implemented the programme. The tree planting programme is aimed at promoting sustainable development in close liaison with the land, fauna and flora and in bestowing our natural heritage to our future generations as envisaged in the Mahinda Chinthana.
The Environment Ministry has closely monitored the programme with its 25 district coordinators drawn from the Ministry and its agencies and has found that 72 percent, nearly 2.1 million trees remain in good condition.
Trees help to protect environment and some of the direct known benefits from trees are timber, food, medicine, seeds, natural beauty, shade , fertilizer, etc. Trees also help to stabilize climatic coditions, protect fauna and flora and water resource systems. In this context, government recognized the significance of the continuation of the tree planting campaign islandwide every year. However the success of the implementation and continuation of this kind of programmes lies largely on the intiatives taken by the common people.
Maha Sangha, Religious Dignitaries, Minister of Environment, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, several other Cabinet Ministers and diplomats also attended the ceremony.
Courtesy: http://www.news.lk/ 16-11-2011
Projects worth Rs 50,000m launched in resettled areas -Jaffna GA Imelda Sukumar
-- Chamikara WEERASINGHE
Infrastructure development projects totaling to Rs 50,000 million have been launched in areas where internally displaced people have been resettled in the Jaffna Peninsula as at present, said Jaffna district GA Imelda Sukumar yesterday.
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has given land clearance to more than 85 percent of lands affected by landmine contamination for development after successful de-mining operations, said Sukumar. Thousands of infrastructure development projects are now underway in these areas which had been security zones for decades barricading public access into them and thereby preventing development, she said.
Access to sea has also been established in Jaffna, she said. A team of World Bank officers that recently visited the peninsula, said that Jaffna’s physical progress was high, said Sukumar.
“During their six-day visit, they have asked me to speed up the financial progress in Jaffna for contractors who have undertaken various development activities and have not presented their bills. “This has created a small gap between the physical progress and the financial progress,” she explained.
Prior to 1983, the production of fish in Jaffna was 40,000 metric tonnes per annum.
‘However, with the start of fishing operations in Jaffna after liberating the sea in 2009, the fishermen in Jaffna have been producing 20,000 metric tonnes,’ she said.
“This is due to a trawling problem in the sea by foreign vessels, said Sukumar.” Illegal trawling has discouraged the fishermen. It has prevented us from achieving the targets set out by us,” she added.
courtesy: http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/11/15/
109 houses for resettled families in Menik Farm Village- Vavuniya
Hon. Basi Rajapaksa Minister of Economic Development participated in 109 houses handing over ceremony at Menik Farm Village in Vavuniya district yesterday (7).
This housing project funded by the European Union with grant funding of Rs.1.5 billion will complete a total of 2500 houses in the Vavuniya district by 2013. This project is being implemented by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Deutschland (ASB).
Menik Farm housing project is carried out with the collaboration and guidance of the Ministry of Economic Development, Northern Spring programme, Presidential Task Force for Resettlement, Development and Security of Northern Province and District Secretariat of Vavuniya.
H.E. Bernard Savage, Ambassador of European Union for Sri Lanka, Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry’s and Commerce, Hon. Major General .G.A. Chandrasri, Governor of the Northern Province, P.S.M. Charles , District Secretary of Vavuniya and other dignitaries and members of the community participated at this occasion.
courtesy: http://med.gov.lk/
More Tamil refugees in TN return to SL
Forty-nine Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu will return to Sri Lanka by a commercial ferry that will leave Tuticorin today, a spokesperson for the UN refugee agency in Sri Lanka said.
Comprising 12 families, presently residing in different camps across the Tamil Nadu state, they belong to the second batch of refugees who will return to Sri Lanka with UNHCR assistance, R. Vidjea Barathy, Associate Repatriation Officer in the Chennai office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees told The Hindu.
The passenger ferry is due to sail from Tuticorin today at 6 pm and will reach Colombo after a 14-hour overnight journey, news.lk reported.
The Tuticorin-Colombo service, launched earlier this year, transported the first batch of 37 refugees in October.
"They are being taken with their consent and they are aware of conditions in their hometowns. Most of them are in touch with their relatives there," Barathy said.
Tamil Nadu is home to nearly 100,000 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, with over 68,000 living in 112 camps across the State, and nearly 32,000 elsewhere. Since the war ended in May 2009, refugees have been returning to the island in varying numbers.
According to the UNHCR, 800 refugees returned to Sri Lanka in 2009, 2,054 went back in 2010, and the figure crossed 1,448 in September this year. With the introduction of the Tuticorin-Colombo ferry service, many more have started expressing interest in using the service, as they can transport their household items along with them. A passenger is allowed to carry belonging weighing up to 150 kg on the ferry. In the north, there were resettlement, rehabilitation and demining issues to contend with. The situation has changed now, and more people belonging to northern towns are also among those eager to return to their homeland.
Courtesy: Daily News: Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Refugees return by ferry
Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development participated in the ceremony to welcome the first group of Sri Lankan refugees returned to Sri Lanka by ferry from India today (12) at Colombo port. The refugees’ returns are part of a voluntary facilitated repatriation programme supported by the governments of both India and Sri Lanka. This event was coordinated by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Ministry of resettlement. Refugees return by sea is significant because until now all refugee returns to Sri Lanka were by air.
During the course of Sri Lanka’s conflict, many refugees arrived in India and European countries but since the end of the conflict, an increasing number of Sri Lankan refugees are returning home, both spontaneously and with the help of UNHCR. Over 1,400 refugees have returned so far this year.
UNHCR provides funding for immediate deposit of UNHCR reintegration grant Rs. 10,000 per adult and Rs. 7,500 per minor under 18 years. Each individual is provided with Rs. 2,000 in cash which can be used immediately to arrange transportation to their village of origin. Each NFI pack contains basic household items such as mosquito nets, jerry cans, a kitchen sets, towels, plastic mats etc. Refugee returnees are also provided by a hygiene pack, a tarpaulin kit and a return took kits, which contains essential items such as a crowbar, an axe, a hurricane lamp etc. Hon. Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan, Deputy Minister of Resettlement, Mr. Michael Zwack, Representative of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Sri Lanka and Ms. Jennifer Pagonis, the UNHCR Deputy Representative in Sri Lanka also participated at this occasion. Date: 11-October-2011
Demining process on track -- Ridma DISSANAYAKE
Demining activities in the Northern and Eastern Provinces in Sri Lanka are progressing faster than other countries and only 134 square kilometres are left for demining, said Delvon Assistance for Social Harmony (DASH) Demining Programme manager Ananda Chandrasiri.
Landmines and unexploded ordnances have been cleared in an area of 1,912 square kilo meters out of the 2,046 square kilometres of identified area in the Northern and Eastern provinces at the end of September 2011, he said.
According to Chandrasiri soon after the end of the war they had identified 6,215 square kilometres as demining areas and have demined 4,169 square kilometers.
They have launched the demining programme in collaboration with other mine clearing organizations in the remaining 2,046 square kilometres.
The government has resettled over 300,000 persons displaced by the war and DASH is continuing their demining activities in collaboration with the government and financial support of the Japanese government,Chandrasiri said.
"We have to spent large sums of money on demining activities in Sri Lanka. It requires time and patience. We hope to finish all the demining activities before the end of 2020," Chandrasiri added.
Courtesy: Daily News Friday, 4 November 2011
People’s Bank provides 50 houses to IDPs in north
The People’s Bank Golden Jubilee Housing Project consisting of 50 houses constructed along the Medawachchiya-Mannar Road in Madhu was handed over to the people by Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa recently.
The houses were provided to 50 Sinhalese and Tamil families who were displaced due to the war. Clean drinking water, electricity and furniture were among the numerous facilities provided. Each house comes with a surrounding area of 20 perches.
While commemorating its 50th anniversary, this housing scheme is the bank’s main corporate social responsibility project inaugurated for the betterment of those persons living in the North and East Provinces who were the victims of a 30-year-long terror menace.
The Ministries of Resettlement and Economic Development were responsible in providing necessary infrastructure for this initiative. The construction of this housing project was carried out with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Army and other Government organisations.
The inauguration of this project was attended by Minister of Resettlement Gunaratne Weerakoon, Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishard Badiudeen, Senior Minister Milroy Fernando and Governor Major General G.A. Chandrasiri together with religious leaders, Government and public representatives of the area. People’s Bank Chairman W. Karunajewa, members of the Board of Directors of People’s Bank and People’s Bank CEO/General Manager N. Vasantha Kumar were also present at this momentous occasion.
At the conclusion of the event the beneficiaries were provided with water pumps by the invitees. Courtesy: http://www.ft.lk/ October 22, 2011
People’s Bank remains committed to uplifting NE lives
While possessing a portfolio of 703 service centres and branches and serving the nation with heartfelt banking innovations, People’s Bank remains committed in contributing towards the betterment of social and cultural fields in the country. The People’s Bank Golden Jubilee Housing Scheme is yet another initiative undertaken by the bank.
Under the guidance of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and with financial contributions from the staff of People’s Bank, 50 houses constructed along the Medawachchiya-Mannar Road in Madu will be ceremoniously opened on 16 October at the auspicious time of 10 a.m. These houses will be handed over to the people on this day.
A corporate social responsibility project of this magnitude was initiated with a view of uplifting the lives of those people living in the north and east who were the victims of a 30-year civil war.
People’s Bank Deputy General Manager – Branch Network G. G. C. Ariyarathne commented: “In view of the 50th Anniversary, the contribution of Rs. 60 million made by the staff of People’s Bank has resulted in this magnitude of a social initiative becoming a reality. Uplifting the livelihoods of the people of the war-torn areas, which are being rapidly rebuilt, was our objective. What’s more, drinking water and other utilities are also a part of this housing project.”
K. Siri Bharathi Nayaka Thero – Sri Bodhirajaramaya, Madu Road stated: “A three-decade war came to an end under the correct leadership and guidance of the President and our country has seen peace once again. Madu Road is a historic village. The residents were able to come back to the village after an unfortunate event in 1985 only by the guidance of the President after peace was obtained. Today, as a part of its 50th year celebrations, pertaining to a concept by Chairman W. Karunajeewa, People’s Bank has built houses for the residents of the Madu village. In addition, they have made provisions for these houses to be divided amongst the people with no racial discrimination.
“I commend the efforts made by the Chairman in order to provide relief to these underprivileged people and thus enabling them to build healthier lifestyles. In addition I take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa and the Ministry, together with the Government and the President, Ministers, our forces – especially for the manpower assistance received from the Army – the Police, and Civil Security Task Forces for all their efforts in making this project a reality and thereby bringing together the Sinhala and Tamil nations back to the way it was in the past.”
Further commenting on the project and appreciating the good will of people’s Bank Milina Fernando, a resident of the Madu Road Housing Scheme, stated: “During the time of unrest in the village we moved to Kalpitiya to carry out our business in fisheries, however, we returned about a year ago as our land and homes were back here. We are indeed happy that People’s Bank has taken an initiative to give us residents these houses to live in.”
People’s Bank began to serve the people of the north by establishing its Mullaitivu branch in 1961. Surpassing all other banks, People’s Bank mapped out a plan and as a result witnessed the launch of its branches in Jaffna, Kankesanthurai, Vavuniya, Batticaloa and Kilinochchi respectively.
With the conclusion of the war, the bank re-established its branches in Kilinochchi, Manjulam, Kankesanthurai and Mullaitivu with new facilities and creating even more service centres in Jaffna, Pandikereppu, Puloli, Kalviyandad and Kopai – all in one day in order to offer convenient modern day banking services. The bank is on the verge of inaugurating branches in the following areas of Cheddikulam, Kiran, Thirankulam and Thiruchendu as well. At present the number of service centres and branches in these areas alone has exceeded 100.
People’s Bank has been with the people of the north and east even during the height of the war, offering them all-round banking facilities while nurturing a relationship of strength.
The bank took steps to offer instant relief to those who were displaced due to the war in an initiative that covered all relief camps at the time. A sum amounting to over Rs. 800 million worth of money and jewellery belonging to these people was safeguarded by the bank and online mobile banking facilities with teller machines were also provided to the relief villages. Together with the support of the staff of People’s Bank, the bank provided essential items and clothes worth Rs. 1.1 million to those people who were displaced due to the war in 2009. And finally, for further betterment of the people, the bank rendered its support towards the construction of these houses, by handing over Rs. 265 million to the President to assist in this Government initiative.
Not stopping there, in order to ensure a better future for the war-affected children of the north and east, People’s Bank organised ‘Piyam Vila,’ an educational consultancy workshop, where children in Mannar, Mutur, Cetticulam and Vavuniya were benefited. Furthermore, People’s Bank rendered its official sponsorship towards ‘Uthuru Mithuru’ project to reconstruct the railway track between Colombo and Kankasanthurai.
Rebuilding the livelihoods in fisheries, agricultural, micro industries and trade in the post-war north and east areas, People’s Bank played a lead role in launching the Government-sponsored two loan schemes under the names ‘Pibidena Uthura’ for the Northern Province and ‘Negenahira Navodaya’ for the Eastern Province. Up to now over Rs. 1,500 million under ‘Neganehira Navodaya’ and ‘Pibidena Uthura’ has been granted as loans by People’s Bank.
Apart from this, People’s Bank introduced other micro-loan schemes. So far Rs. 308 million has been granted under this programme. The total amount of loans given under loan schemes such as ‘Pibidena Uthura,’ ‘Negenahira Navodaya,’ ‘Viskam,’ ‘Athamaru’ and ‘Vidatha’ by People’s Bank is a mammoth Rs. 4,134 million at present – all proof to the fact that People’s Bank is poised to usher in a wide array of banking solutions and services in the future while staying true to its commitment of building a better tomorrow. Courtesy : http://www.ft.lk 15-10-2011
ANOTHER GROUP OF IDPS RETURNS BACK TO THEIR VILLAGES
1066 People who lived in IDP relief villages in Vawuniya left the camps to start their normal life after two long years in a camp.630 people lived in Kadiragamr temporary relief village and 436 people lived in Ananda Kumaraswami village left in these groups.
This occasion was an important moment of their lives .Minister for resettlement Hon. M.H.Gunarathna Weerakoon participated this occasion yesterday.
The group of people left the camps were from Vallipuram and Pudukudu Irippu in the district of Mulethive.The IDPS are resettled after clearing all the mines from the area and after getting an full assurance from the authorities who clear the areas. Government will provide dry rations for six month until they are firmly settled. And all infrastructures like electricity roads and livelihood facilities for all people will be provided to them by the government.
All those families who left the camps yester received an special packet of dry rations prepared by the ministry..Ministry of resettlement spent 1.2 million Rupees for the ration given specially
So far 254,039 people have been resettled in the Northern Province under this programme and all the people who are living in the camps today will all be resettled before the end of this year assures the minister. His Excellency the president Mahinda Rajapaksha instructed the authorities to finish the problem of resettling as early as possible Minister declared.
Senior assistant secretary .Mr.E.M.D.B.Ekanayake and ASP for Vawuniya K.Kuganeshan and officials of the ministry participated for this occasion.
